Some time ago, Jill Stinemetz, Associate Vice President at Cox Communications, colleague and a dear friend, posed a thought-provoking question to me. Ever since, the question has been roaming around in my head. The question? “What’s a whisper that yearns to be a roar?” This profound query speaks to a desire to express something important inside us. For me, it’s the realization that success in business – or life, for that matter – is built on a foundation of universally-accepted virtues.
“If we investigate the religions to discover the principles underlying their foundations, we will find they agree; for the fundamental reality of them is one and not multiple. By this means the religionists of the world will reach their point of unity and reconciliation.” The quote continues:
They will ascertain the truth that the purpose of religion is the acquisition of praiseworthy virtues, the betterment of morals, the spiritual development of mankind, the real life and divine bestowals.
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, son of the founder of the Bahá’í Faith
Throughout history, secular leaders from across many disciplines and spiritual teachers from all traditions have advocated for us to embrace and demonstrate a variety of human virtues. It’s no surprise that we trust and respect those who do. We’re inspired by the efforts of leaders who understand that “how” we do what we do is as important as “what” we achieve. We’re also willing to support a leader who stumbles but humbly asks for forgiveness because we see our own humanity in them.
This post is likely to be the first in a series sprinkled in amongst my other articles where I’ll touch on what I’ll refer to as “Virtuous Leadership” – my whisper yearning to be a roar.
Virtuous Leadership
In embracing spiritual principles, we harness a power beyond spreadsheets, presentations and anything that artificial intelligence (AI) can muster. Let’s craft a framework that will enable leaders to transform this whisper of potential into a resounding roar of principle-centered leadership, elevating our own performance and influencing other in the process.
Drawing inspiration from The Virtues Project™, whose mission is to inspire people of all cultures to remember who we really are and to live by our highest values, I offer a paradigm where leadership is about making decisions and behaving in accordance with virtues found to be universal and timeless.
In their research over the past thirty years, The Virtues Project™ has identified over six-hundred virtues common to cultures and faith communities around the world.
Imagine for a moment the impact on our world if our leaders strove to embody these virtues. Many more leaders would behave differently and make better decisions for the benefit of humanity instead of serving their own self interests. More companies would implement programs and policies in line with a greater purpose that’s committed to making the world a better place for their employees, customers and communities as opposed to just increasing profits and market share. Rather than focusing mostly on their careers and calculating how to achieve more power, politicians would more likely be principled leaders and humble servants of the community that elected them.
Dig deeper: Discover the virtues | Download the virtues poster
Virtues vs. Values
Virtues are qualities reflecting moral excellence and ethical conduct, embodying positive character traits to which individuals aspire. Honesty, integrity, compassion, courage and kindness are universally valued for their positive impact on individuals and communities.
It’s important to practice virtues in harmony with each other, guided by wisdom and discernment. Balanced, mindful application of virtues, considering ethical principles, typically leads to positive outcomes and the world becoming a better place.
Values are overarching beliefs guiding behavior and influencing individual priorities and decisions. In contrast with virtues, values can be positive or negative, depending on their impact on individuals and society. For instance, in the current climate, intolerance of differing viewpoints fuels polarization and hostility between factions, fostering discord, promoting hate, sparking violence and ultimately hindering progress.
Positive values contribute to harmony, cooperation and mutual respect, while negative ones perpetuate harm, inequality and division, undermining the common good.
Virtuous Leadership vs Servant Leadership
Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
– C.S. Lewis, British writer, literary scholar, and Anglican lay theologian
At their core, these two leadership paradigms have a lot in common. Personally, I view virtue-inspired leadership as more comprehensive. I also believe it’s more inclusive because of its universal appeal.
Virtuous leadership is a leadership approach that prioritizes moral character and ethical decision-making. Leaders practicing virtuous leadership embody virtues such as honesty, integrity, empathy, and humility, inspiring others through their exemplary behavior. These leadership principles can be found in various religious and philosophical traditions, as well as in secular contexts, emphasizing the universal value of serving others and fostering collaboration and empowerment in leadership roles.
Related: The Virtuous Leadership Institute list dozens of leaders who serve as models of virtuous leadership throughout the ages.
Servant leadership is often associated with Christian teachings due to its alignment with principles such as humility and service, popularized by Robert K. Greenleaf, who drew from his Christian beliefs. However, while it has strong roots in Christianity, servant leadership isn’t exclusively tied to it. The concept’s principles of serving others and fostering collaboration transcend religious boundaries and are applicable in various contexts, emphasizing universal values in leadership.
Virtuous leadership centers on the leader’s character while encompassing behaviors associated with servant leadership. Servant leadership, on the other hand, focuses on serving others fostering collaboration, empowering the team and facilitating their personal and professional growth and development.
Virtuous Leadership in Action
It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?
– Henry David Thoreau, an American naturalist, essayist, poet, and philosopher
In my mind, virtues work hand in glove with positive values. Let’s explore some real-world examples where virtuous leaders put their values into action to make a positive impact in the world.
Cox Enterprises Driven by Purpose
Across its three divisions, Cox is clear about what it stands for, that is to “empower people today to build a better future for the next generation.” Cox demonstrates this commitment through the innovative initiatives like 34 by 34, which aims to remove obstacles and expand access to programs to help 34 million people live more prosperous lives by 2034. From bridging the digital divide to addressing social equity and environmental sustainability challenges, Cox is committed to growing the good in the communities they serve, one action at a time. By pursuing these ambitious social goals, Cox not only fulfills its purpose but also inspires global change, emphasizing that corporate responsibility isn’t just a dream but a tangible and impactful commitment to making the world a better place.
Patagonia’s Environmental Stewardship
Yvon Chouinard’s leadership transformed Patagonia into a roaring advocate for environmental sustainability. Patagonia’s purpose – “We’re in business to save our home planet.” – is a powerful and concise declaration of its commitment to the environmental sustainability. It goes beyond profit and places the preservation of the Earth at the forefront of its business. By aligning business practices with its value and virtues like quality, integrity and justice, the company simultaneously lives its purpose and achieves more profit.
Microsoft’s Inclusive Innovation
Satya Nadella’s leadership has turned Microsoft into an inclusive powerhouse. Embracing virtues of respect and empathy, he fostered an environment where diversity fuels innovation. Microsoft’s mission and values inspire their people to challenge the status quo and empower them to achieve more. In 2015, they announced an expanded commitment to their corporate philanthropy around the world with a broader ambition and a new organization within the company, Microsoft Philanthropies. Additionally, Microsoft’s website is chockfull of philanthropic stories where they’ve aligned their actions to their words.
RELATED: For a cohesive company culture, leaders need to ensure internal stakeholders understand, embrace and demonstrate core values. Additionally, it’s important that corporations communicate their values externally in memorable ways. Read => 13 Clever Ways To Communicate Corporate Values To External Audiences
Parting Thoughts…
When virtues are established and characters refined, progress in all matters is assured. No nation can attain prosperity and success save through the refinement of morals.
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, son of the founder of the Bahá’í Faith
The quote continues, “When characters are improved, sciences and arts flourish; minds become vastly enlightened; hearts are filled with truthfulness and trustworthiness, with zeal, devotion, and determination; statesmanship attaineth its highest degree; new industries become widespread; commerce is expanded; and courage and audacity raise aloft their banner.”
What’s your whisper that’s yearning to be a roar? While you’re contemplating that, consider reflecting on ways virtues show up in your own life. Ask yourself:
- In what situations do I find myself naturally exhibiting virtues like honesty, courage, kindness, empathy or perseverance?
- How do I handle challenges or conflicts while acting in a virtuous way and staying true to my core values?
- Are there areas in my life where I could enhance the practice of certain virtues, and if so, how can I actively work on cultivating them?
By embracing the principles associated with virtuous leadership, you’ll unlock your personal potential, as well as that of your team, and experience unprecedented personal and professional growth. Additionally, the business you lead stands to thrive in ways that may exceed your expectations and those of the market.
Inspire on!
If you liked this article…
You may find the following interesting:
- From ‘Oops’ to Ownership
- Let’s Talk Change: Be Honest
- Leading with Truthfulness in a Trust-Starved Society
- Virtuous Leadership Institute
- Alex Harvard, found of the Virtuous Leadership System
- What is Virtuous Leadership? – Mikael Thompson
- How to Find and Follow the Straight Path to a Virtuous Life – Christopher Buck
- Eight Virtues of Leadership Vulnerability – Forbes
- From Wayne Gretzky to the CEO of Starbucks: 10 Virtues True Leaders Have in Common – Entrepreneur
Thanks for the feedback Bronson. Ultimately, each individual decides for themselves whether a value is positive or negative. For me, values like “superiority,” “perfectionism,” “acquiring money for the sake of it” have a negative connotation.
Thank you for an inspiring article, Al. I’d never thought about how values COULD be negatives.