What impact do you want to make on the world, on your friends and family, on your community or in your business? Must your impact be positive or negative? Do you want to be proud of it? Do you want to make the world a better place? When you’re gone, how do you want the world to remember you? What will your legacy be? Do you want to be defined by your titles and wealth or by your character and moral compass? In their insightful book “Leading with Character: 10 Minutes a Day to a Brilliant Legacy”, Jim Loehr and Caren Kenney emphasise that true leadership is not about position or wealth but about character, ethics, and morality. They argue that legacies are built on the ethical and moral choices we make daily and that ethical leadership is like a lighthouse guiding ships through stormy seas. Remember, your legacy is in your hands. Own it and be empowered by it.
- The Foundation of Legacy: Picture a sculptor meticulously chiselling away at a block of marble. Each tap of the chisel unveils the masterpiece hidden within. Similarly, our character is shaped by the choices we make daily. Loehr and Kenney stress that legacies are not built on position or status but on character, ethics, and morality. When we look back on our lives, we must ask ourselves: What will my legacy be? A testament to my wealth or a reflection of my values and how I treated others? This is a responsibility we carry every day, with every choice we make.
- The Importance of Ethical Leadership: The authors underline that ethical leadership is like a lighthouse in a storm, providing clarity and direction in times of uncertainty. They illustrate this point by referencing the 2007-2008 financial crisis, where a lack of ethical decision-making led to devastating consequences for millions. Just as a ship can be lost without a guiding light, organisations can falter without leaders who prioritise ethics over profit. However, the power of ethical leadership is not just preventive; it is transformative. It can steer organisations away from disaster and towards a brighter, more hopeful future.
- The Role of Reflection: Reflection is depicted as a vital tool for leaders, much like a gardener tending to their plants. Just as a gardener must regularly prune and nurture their garden to ensure it flourishes, leaders must engage in ‘soulful reflection’ to develop their moral character. Loehr and Kenney recommend journaling as a means to confront moral dilemmas and strengthen one’s ethical foundation. This daily practice acts as a mirror, allowing leaders to assess their actions and align them with their values. It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth that every leader should embark on.
- Building a Personal Credo: Creating a personal philosophy is another critical insight from the book. Think of it as a compass that points true north, guiding every decision and action. A well-defined philosophy helps leaders navigate the murky waters of ethical dilemmas, ensuring they remain anchored to their core beliefs. Loehr and Kenney encourage leaders to articulate their values clearly, stating that this personal “source code” is essential for distinguishing right from wrong.
- The Challenge of Character: Building character is not for the faint-hearted. Loehr and Kenney liken it to training a muscle; it requires consistent effort and dedication. Just as athletes must push through physical pain to achieve greatness, leaders must confront their weaknesses and commit to ethical growth. They warn that the forces of corruption and greed are ever-present, and without vigilance, even the most well-intentioned individuals can falter.
To build a strong moral foundation, Loehr and Kenney suggest:
- Don’t focus on coming out on top – Instead, focus on being empathetic, kind, trusting, compassionate and caring.
- Don’t dodge responsibility—Ethical leaders take care of unfinished business and never delegate their responsibilities to others.
- Weigh the consequences before you act—Most of us don’t like to stop and consider the outcomes of our actions before we act since thinking about possible downsides may stop us from doing what we want. So, they indulge their impulses with little regard for morality.
- Train yourself to exemplify good character traits – Strive to be more empathetic, generous, reliable, strong, reasonable and even-handed. Our upstanding character will differentiate us from the crowd and make us proud of who we are.
In “Leading with Character”, Loehr and Kenney provide a roadmap for ethical leadership that highlights the importance of character in shaping one’s legacy. By reflecting on our values, establishing a personal philosophy, and committing to ethical practices, we can build a legacy that resonates long after we are gone. As the authors poignantly remind us, “To own our character means that we built it, intentionally and consciously.” In a world where ethical leadership is increasingly rare, this book serves as a clarion call for leaders to rise above self-interest and lead with integrity.
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