I spent part of the weekend re-reading one of my favorite books, "Principle-Centered Leadership," by Stephen Covey. It's an incredible book that followed up is national best-seller, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." It goes into great detail on the variety of attitudes and thoughts we need to be a principle-centered leader including why principle-centered leadership is the best kind. Here is a an early excerpt from the book:From study and observation and from my own strivings, I have isolated eight discernible characteristics of people who are principle-centered leaders.
THEY ARE CONTINUALLY LEARNING
Principle-centered people are constantly educated by their experiences. They read, they seek training, they take classes, they listen to others, they learn through both their ears and their eyes. They are curious, always asking questions. The develop new skills, new interests. They discover that the more they know, the more they realize they don't know; that as their circle of knowledge grows, so does it's outside edge of ignorance. Most of this learning and growth energy is self-initiated and feeds upon itself.
THEY ARE SERVICE-ORIENTED
Those string to be principle-centered see life as a mission, not as a career. Their nurturing sources have armed and prepared them for service. In effect, every morning they "yoke up" and put on the harness of service, thinking of others.
THEY RADIATE POSITIVE ENERGY
The countenances of principle-centered people are cheerful, pleasant and happy. Their attitude is optimistic, positive, upbeat. Their spirit is enthusiastic, hopeful, believing.
THEY BELIEVE IN OTHER PEOPLE
Principle-centered people don't overreact to negative behaviors, criticism, or human weaknesses. They don't feel built up when they discover the weaknesses of others. They are not naive; they are aware of weakness. But they realize that behavior and potential are two different things. They believe in the unseen potential of all people.
THE LEAD BALANCED LIVES
They read the best literature and magazines and keep up with current affairs and events. They are active socially, having many friends a few confidants. They are active intellectually, having many interests. They read, watch, observe, and learn. Within limits of age and health, they are active physically. They have a lot of fun. They enjoy themselves.
THEY SEE LIFE AS AN ADVENTURE
Principle-centered people savor life. Because their security comes from within instead of from without, they have need to categorize and stereotype everything and everybody in life to give them a sense of certainty and predictability.
THEY ARE SYNERGISTIC
Synergy is the state in which the whole is more than the sum of the parts. Principle-centered people are synergistic. They are change catalysts. They improve almost any situation they get into. They work as smart as they work hard. They are amazingly productive, but in new and creative ways. In team endeavors they build on their strengths and strive to complement their weaknesses with the strengths of others.
THEY EXERCISE FOR SELF-RENEWAL
Finally, they regularly exercise the four-dimensions of the human personality: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. They participate in some kind of balanced, moderate, regular program of aerobic exercise, meaning cardiovascular exercise -- using the large muscles and working the heart and lungs. This provides endurance -- improving the capacity of the body and brain to use oxygen -- along with many other physical and mental benefits.
