At Felix, we passionately believe in developing leaders who are not just good at what they do but are also value-driven. We align with industry trailblazers like Harry Kraemer, so much so that we invited him to be a guest speaker at our 2022 Future of Work and Life 2.0 HR Symposium. His unique approach to values-based leadership provides an enlightening framework for all leaders – both current and aspiring.
You can read a summary or watch his full HR Symposium keynote speech here.
As a respected organizational advisor, Felix, with over 30 years of successful client engagements, recognizes the need for values-based leadership more than ever in our rapidly changing world of work. So, let’s take a deeper look into Kraemer’s four core principles and how they can transform your leadership journey.
Understanding the Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership
From his rich experience as the former CEO of Baxter International and an esteemed faculty member at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Kraemer has distilled the essence of values-based leadership into four principles, which he elaborately discusses in his book From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership.
Principle 1: Self-Reflection
According to Kraemer, the journey towards values-based leadership begins with self-reflection. The ability to reflect, identify what you stand for, discern your values, and determine what matters most is critical. By understanding yourself, you become more equipped to make choices aligned with your values, ultimately resulting in decisions that resonate with your team and positively impact your organization.
Principle 2: Balance
In a diverse and dynamic world, possessing the ability to see situations from multiple perspectives is crucial for effective leadership. Acknowledging differing viewpoints gives you a holistic understanding, promotes fairness, and aids in making well-rounded decisions that consider everyone’s interests.
For example, championing effective DEI initiatives further brings the opportunity to understand and value different perspectives into your workplace every day.
Principle 3: True Self-Confidence
True self-confidence transcends the mastery of certain skills. It encompasses the ability to acknowledge and accept yourself as you are, recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, and focusing on continuous improvement. Kraemer emphasizes that leaders who possess true self-confidence inspire their teams and foster a culture of authenticity and resilience.
Discover these seven tips for leaders trying to build team confidence
Principle 4: Genuine Humility
The final principle, genuine humility, is often overlooked but profoundly significant. Humility helps you appreciate the value of each person in your organization and treat everyone respectfully. Leaders who display genuine humility create an inclusive culture that allows for collaboration and innovation.
Real-Life Application of Values-Based Leadership
Kraemer’s principles aren’t just theories; they’re exemplified in the real world. One Acre Fund, an organization founded by Andrew Youn, Eric Pohlman, and John Gachunga to aid African farmers, embodies these principles. Youn’s values-based leadership has been instrumental in the organization’s mission, earning Kraemer’s admiration and the proceeds of his book sales:
“I got into this values discussion not just to talk about values, but to bring up examples of people and organizations who seemed to have the ‘values’ piece just right,” Kraemer says. “The fact that this book benefits the One Acre Fund completes the whole circle: Andrew and his team are a great example of what values-based leadership is all about.”
To delve deeper into Kraemer’s knowledge, we encourage you to watch Harry’s talk about his book and the principles it contains.
Indeed, Harry writes as he speaks: highly engaging, personal and transparent in his stories, passionate in his thinking and inspiring. Consider adding this and his other book, Your 168: Finding Purpose and Satisfaction in a Values-Based Life, to your reading list to fully understand and apply the concepts of values-based leadership.
Enhance your leadership skills with Felix’s C-suite coaching service
Embrace Values-Based Leadership with Felix’s Help
Values-based leadership provides an authentic and sustainable approach to leadership that encourages transparency, inclusivity, and respect. By adopting Kraemer’s four principles, leaders can create a work culture that promotes both personal and organizational growth.
Felix offers comprehensive services in executive coaching, talent development, and organizational performance to support leaders in their journey to adopting values-based leadership.
Let’s embark on this journey together! Reach out to us here or call us at 1-866-995-0065 to learn more about how Felix can help you become a better leader.
