When thinking about leadership ethics in history, one of the first leaders who comes to mind for many is Mahatma Gandhi. His life, his legacy and his methods offer a clear example of ethical leadership in action, showing the extent to which values, morals and decision-making can converge.

Gandhi’s ethics were shaped by the substance of his upbringing and his deeply felt religious commitment. From his childhood in a traditional Hindu household in colonial India, he absorbed ideals of ahimsa (nonviolence), satya (truth), and Sarvodaya (ancestral ‘welfare of all’). These were to become the hallmarks of his leadership and the basis for his social and political activism.

Nonviolent resistance to effect social change was at the very centr of Gandhi’s philosophy of ethical leadership Gandhi’s conception of ethical leadership was powerfully demonstrated during India’s independence movement. He led many peaceful protests to confront inequitable laws and to enliven a nation in its resistance to oppression without violence. For example, his famous Salt March was part of a larger mass movement of noncooperation with the British authorities that began at the start of the 1930s.

Furthermore, Gandhi’s moral reasoning was consistent with the highest stages of ethical development that Kohlberg described. His persistent adherence to principles of justice and compassion went beyond prevailing norms and legal codes, encouraging people to embrace their own conscience and act based on moral principles.

And in the area of social justice and human rights, Gandhi practied his form of ethical leadership outside of the political sphere. He made the case for the rights of untouchables, and helped to elevate the status of women, demonstrating a commitment to tolerance of the disadvantaged and minorities that’s as contemporary as ever.

By thinking about Gandhi as a man of action and thought, both deeply shaped by personal and collective history, we might be reminded that, for both individuals and nations, it is values, morals and, ultimately, judgments that can determine destinies. In this respect, Gandhi offers an ever-relevant lesson in the real-world possibilities of ethical leadership to transform systemic injustices and spark social change.

With Gandhi’s ideals as our guide, we who seek to be leaders have a tremendous opportunity to champion integrity, compassion and fearlessness in our leadership. As Gandhi did, we should try to root our leadership in ethical foundations, moral reason, and, above all, a commitment – however travelled the road – to what is right.

 

References 

Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and Practice (9th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Rosenberg, Jennifer. “Biography of Mohandas Gandhi, Indian Independence Leader.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 29 July 2019, www.thoughtco.com/mohandas-gandhi-1779849.

At critical moments, great outcomes can differ because of the leader. Winston Churchill’s leadership was an inspiring style that transformed the course for an entire nation in a dire situation.

Churchill was a leader after his own image. Nothing could have been more characteristic of him than the steadfast determination with which he faced the threat of Nazi aggression, refusing for months to bow under the pressure, and rallying his compatriots to stand firm with his rousing speeches and grim expressions of defiance. At any time, Churchill’s words were a beacon of light to the people of his nation.

Churchill’s resilience in the face of adversity was a particularly essential characteristic. During the Blitz, when the German Luftwaffe targeted the British mainland with bombing raids in 1940-41, Churchill’s resilience provided a nurturing internal locus of control that helped the British stay calm, even as Germany rained destruction down on their land.

In addition, committing to the notion of the ‘brotherhood of mankind’, Churchill recognized the practical need for collaboration and diplomacy in the face of common threats. He forged alliances with the world leaders Franklin D Roosevelt of The Untied States and Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union in a spirit of recognition and respect for diversity of outlook, but each driven by the single overpowering necessity of eliminating tyranny. Churchill worked with allied nations to marshal the material resources and build the coordinated strategy needed to achieve victory.

Aside from his wartime leadership, a compelling aspect of Churchill’s legacy is how the eloquence of his words galvanized the spirit of the nation. His rousing speeches – ‘We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender’; ‘I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat’; ‘What General Weygand has called the Battle of France is over…The Battle of Britain is about to begin’ – swayed millions emotionally and mobilized the country in a war that might have been lost. Through his words of conviction, Churchill stimulated the hope of victory among the British population, urging them to the ultimate victory for which they had joined the struggle.

If you study the way Churchill acted during this time, you get insights on how to lead, today. He was relentless; his resolve emboldened by setbacks; he engaged freely, yet resolutely; and he communicated his way to victory.

Churchill’s leadership in a time of great dislocation offers a modern example of how, with resolve, purpose and strength of character, we can turn the direst circumstances into a brighter future. At a time when we are witnessing great shifts in the world, let us see Churchill’s example and do our best to lead our countries and our world with wisdom, courage and compassion as he did.

 

References:

Northouse, P.G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and Practice. 9th Edition. Los Angeles: Sage Publications. [VitalSource Bookshelf version]. bned://ZiO6VvsMnWk-vrb5tJmdqbnJeGTmLZEOcqkIdHJSHo4

As a coach at a newly established CrossFit gym, I find myself embraced by a diverse group of individuals, each with their own fitness aspirations, backgrounds, and levels of experience. Drawing from the leadership theories discussed in our latest lesson, I would like to apply these to my role as a coach.

Team vs. Group

Before diving into the depths of team leadership, it’s crucial to distinguish between a team and a group. While often used interchangeably, there are subtle yet significant differences. A group comprises individuals interacting with one another, whereas a team is characterized by interdependence towards a shared mission or goal. In our CrossFit setting, our goal is clear: to cultivate a supportive community focused on achieving fitness milestones through collective effort and determination.

Size, Stages, and Roles

Group dynamics are influenced by factors such as size, stages of development, and roles played by its members. Tuckman’s stages of group development—forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning—provide a roadmap for understanding the evolution of our team (Tuckman, 1965; Tuckman & Jensen, 1977). From the initial phase of introductions and information gathering to the eventual flow of performing tasks seamlessly, each stage presents unique challenges and opportunities for leadership intervention.

Balancing Task and Maintenance Functions

Effective team leadership relies on balancing task functions—focused on accomplishing goals—and maintenance functions—ensuring the group functions harmoniously (Northouse, 2021). In our CrossFit gym, this translates into guiding athletes towards their fitness objectives while fostering a supportive and cohesive environment conducive to growth and camaraderie.

Essential Components of Team Success

Hackman and Walton (1986) identify key components of effective teams: clear, engaging direction; an enabling performance situation; competent team members; unified commitment; collaborative climate; standards of excellence; external support and recognition; and principled leadership. These components serve as guiding principles as we strive to create a thriving CrossFit community driven by shared goals and mutual support.

Inspiring Excellence and Unity

As a coach at a CrossFit gym, my role extends far beyond instruction. I serve as a facilitator of growth, a member of a coaching team, and a source of encouragement to clientele. By modeling principled leadership, nurturing a collaborative climate, and setting high standards of excellence, I aim to inspire each athlete to unlock their full potential and contribute to the collective success of our team.

In conclusion, the journey of team leadership in a CrossFit gym is a dynamic and multifaceted journey, guided by theory, experience, and a deep understanding of human dynamics. By embracing the principles of effective team leadership and fostering a culture of unity and excellence, we can propel our athletes towards their fitness goals and forge bonds that extend far beyond the gym floor.

 

References:

Northouse, P.G. (2021). Leadership: Theory & Practice (9th e.d.). SAGE Publishing.

Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384-399.

Hackman, J. R. (2012). From causes to conditions in group research. Journal of Organizational Behavior(33), 428-444.

When exploring leadership theories, the Style Approach stands out as a compelling perspective that shifts the focus from innate traits to observable behaviors. Unlike the trait approach, which explores the personality of leaders, the style approach emphasizes what leaders do and how they act. In this blog, I will explore the significance of the style approach and its application to popular leaders, shedding light on the behaviors that contribute to their success.

Why the Style Approach?

The Style Approach offers a valuable lens through which we can discern effective leadership behaviors. By identifying how successful leaders differ from their less successful counterparts, organizations can design systems to optimize the skills essential for future success. Behavior, being more measurable than traits, provides a tangible foundation for evaluating leadership effectiveness. Additionally, the style approach allows for the possibility of change in leadership abilities, as leaders can learn and adopt new behaviors to further grow.

Unlike the trait approach that solely examines leaders, the style approach integrates the leader, follower, and situation into a comprehensive theory of leadership. Acknowledging that leadership is an interaction between leaders and followers in diverse situations, the style approach bridges the gap by investigating how leaders act towards subordinates in various contexts.

The style approach categorizes leadership behaviors into two essential types: task behaviors and relationship behaviors. Task behaviors are geared towards goal accomplishment, while relationship behaviors focus on fostering comfort and positive dynamics among followers, themselves, and the situation.

Application to a Popular Leader:

When exploring examples of the style approach to leadership today, consider a popular leader: Elon Musk. Known for his transformative impact on industries such as electric vehicles and space exploration, Musk’s leadership style can be analyzed through the lens of task and relationship behaviors. His relentless focus on achieving ambitious goals and driving innovation exemplifies task behaviors, while his ability to inspire and align his teams speaks to effective relationship behaviors.

In summary, The Style Approach to leadership offers a valuable perspective for understanding and cultivating effective leadership behaviors. By examining how leaders like Elon Musk apply task and relationship behaviors in their roles, we gain insights into the dynamic relationship between leaders, followers, and situations. This approach provides a practical framework for aspiring leaders to enhance their effectiveness and contribute to the success of their organizations.

 

References

Boogaard, Kat. “What Is the Elon Musk Leadership Style (and Should You Use It)?” Fingerprint for Success – Marlee, the World’s First AI Coach, Fingerprint for Success, 13 Sept. 2023, www.fingerprintforsuccess.com/blog/elon-musk-leadership-style.

Northouse, Peter Guy. Leadership Theory and Practice. SAGE, 2022.