In The Leadership Challenge, Kouzes and Posner discusses the need for Clarify Values. They point out the need to have your communications on all levels reflect your values. Important to this is the choice of words, phrases, and metaphors.
Mixed messages can happen when some leaders try to motivate. Often, motivational talks use aggressive sports and military analogies. Sport and military fields have many very powerful stories and messages, however they can conflict with the values of many businesses and organizations.
In constrast, several positive examples are given from a speech made by Louis Gunning of Unilever. He focuses on the value of service and caring.
"The core insight about great leadership comes down to service. Somehow it humanizes us."
"People want to live meaningful lives; . . . .they want to grow and they want to be part of an organization that helps them to contribute to something that is far bigger than they could ever create on their own."
"Caring for the community needs to be in the heart of all our actions. Once we get this right, then the rest will come into place."
Sports and military fields have many great figures that business leaders and non-profit leaders connect to. A well-rounded leader should balance these greats with other greats known for compassion, service, and integrity.
Balance Vince Lombardi with Mother Teresa
Balance George Patton with Martin Luther King
Balance Michael Jordan with Mohandas Gandhi
Balance Sun Tzu with Eleanor Roosevelt
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