What if I said most executive resumes that cross my desk don’t share a leadership philosophy — although they should!
Why should they? Your leadership philosophy offers a window into your executive character, work ethic, personal principles, and leadership approach. When you offer a defined leadership philosophy, it means you are crystal clear about the value and culture you will bring to an organization.
A resume posted on the web or shared among a system of believed companions or partners could open ways to opportunities you couldn’t before imagine. How energizing would it be to be given the ideal open door unexpectedly?
Bottom-line: A leadership philosophy separates leaders who manage—from leaders who inspire.
So what are the ingredients for a well-marinated leadership philosophy and where can you get some?
Here is the recipe I use with my clients when we build their personal brand.
- WHY do you lead?
- HOW do you lead?
- WHAT is your leadership impact?
Ok. I’ll go first:
Why: Create other leaders, causing a ripple effect that reaches beyond my scope.
How: By inspiring new ways of thinking.
Impact: Raise the standards on innovation and collaboration, surpassing individual, customer, and company goals to make wonderful things happen.
My leadership philosophy: Lead through the kind of leadership I would resoundingly follow.
Need more help? Your favorite leadership quote is often in alignment with your undefined leadership philosophy. Below you will find inspiring quotes that my clients have shared with me during their personal branding discovery sessions. These quotes have served them as a compass in alignment with their leadership vision. Do you spot one that resonates with you or unleashes your inner philosopher?
QUOTES THAT MOVE LEADERS TO ACTION
“The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” ~ Kenneth Blanchard
“Leaders live by choice, not by accident.” ~ Mark Gorman
“Leadership is an action, not a position.” ~ Donald McGannon
“Option A is not available. So let’s kick the sh** out of Option B.” ~ Sheryl Sandberg
“Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know that so it goes on flying anyway.” ~ Mary Kay Ash
“That’s been one of my mantras—focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.” ~ Steve Jobs
“A good leader leads the people from above them. A great leader leads the people from within them.” ~ M.D. Arnold
“Face reality as IT is, not as it was or as you wish it to be.” ~ Jack Welch
“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field or endeavor.” ~ Vince Lombardi
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” ~ Walt Disney
“Change before you have to.” ~Jack Welch
“To lead people, walk behind them.” ~ Lao Tzu
“Doing more of what doesn’t work will not make it work any better.” ~ Unknown
“People who think too much before they act, don’t act too much.” ~ Jimmy Buffett
“Some people dream of success while others wake up and work hard at it.” ~ Winston Churchill
“Successful people never ask if things will work. They are willing to try and find out.” ~ Brad Gosse
Why not share your leadership philosophy or your favorite quote with your LinkedIn network? Comment below.
If you don’t believe in yourself … no one else will.