The bottom line for any business is generating shareholder return. But instead of taking the transactional route of “I win/ you lose” and trying to squeeze every dime out of every transaction, values-based leadership requires a more holistic approach. First, talent. The best people can work just about anywhere. Values-based organizations seek to attract high-caliber talent by being mission-driven.
In addition, values-based enterprises establish long-term customer relationships that are “win/win” and grounded in the premise of doing the right thing. With the best people and strong customer rapport, values-based organizations put themselves in a position to generate a great return.
How, then, can leaders and organizations become values-based? It starts with the individual, from the newest team member to the CEO, who are dedicated to becoming their “best self”—a process defined by 4 key principles that are essentials for the values-based leadership toolbox.
1. Self-Reflection—the most important tool. Self-reflection is the gateway to self-awareness, to understand yourself and your values as you relate to and influence others. Personally, I engage in self-reflection at the end of the day when I ask myself questions such as: Did I do what I said I was going to do—and if not, why not? Did I fall short of expectations? How did I treat people? If I could live the day over again, what would I do differently?
Mark Neaman, president and CEO of NorthShore University HealthSystem, links self-reflection and leadership because it heightens awareness of how leaders interact with others. He states: “Are you hard driving and thinking big thoughts, but never losing your humility because you know you can’t accomplish those dreams all by yourself?”
2. Balance—more input for better decisions. Being your best self means you value balance in how you view any issue or challenge by taking in as many perspectives as possible. During my years at Baxter International, including those as the CEO, it was never a choice between reaching a decision quickly or gathering more input. If the decision could be better, stronger, or more assured by reaching out to colleagues and teammates whose input we could gather quickly, that’s what we had to do to be balanced in our perspective.
3. True Self-Confidence—knowing what you know and what you don’t know. True self-confidence comes from the knowledge of who you are and what you stand for.
You acknowledge your skills and accomplishments; you admit when you don’t know the
answer or when you are wrong. True self-confidence also fosters “best partnerships” that lead to win-win arrangements because each party knows its expertise. Mark Thierer, chairman and CEO of Catamaran Corp., one of the largest pharmacy benefit managers in the U.S., credits this thinking for a 10-year contract with Cigna worth an estimated $5 billion—a significant milestone given that Catamaran wasn’t the biggest player in this market.
4. Genuine Humility—showing respect to everyone. Genuine humility is the belief that no one is more important than anyone else and that every contributor should be recognized. Jai Shekhawat, co-founder of Fieldglass, a vendor systems management company that was sold to SAP for a reported $1 billion, observes: “A person who is contributing and feels that they’ve helped shape the company will treat it like their child. These are the roots of loyalty.”
Your best self is not a destination; it is an ongoing process. These 4 principles are the essential tools in the values-based leadership toolbox to become your best self.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
