Becoming a ValuesBased Leader

What is ValuesBased Leadership? How does one become a ValuesBased Leader? Why ValueBased Leadership? Certainly these are critical questions. It is now widely recognized that effective leaders, from Martin Luther King through political leaders and corporate executives, have a foundation of values that guide their decisionmaking, and indeed, their life. However, up to this point there has not been a clear definition of ValuesBased Leadership, nor has there been a method for developing ValuesBased Leaders. This book addresses these issues by defining ValuesBased Leadership; by explaining why this form of leadership leads to effective groups, families and organizations; and by providing a process for helping one discover both their life values and their leadership values. Presented in an interesting, and easytoread “story format,” the book traces the life of the CEO of a major medical supply company who has “burned out” as a leader, and who blames others for his problems. After being told very bluntly by a former mentor that he is the problem, not others, the CEO seeks out the help of an executive coach. Working with the coach he goes through a process by which he rediscovers his purpose in life, as well as his life and leadership values. And through the process he renews his enthusiasm and effectiveness as a leader. The format of the book allows the reader to go through the same stepbystep discovery process as does the central figure in the book, and to move toward becoming an effective and successful ValuesBased Leader. Leaders and executives will find the information and discovery process outlined in the book very helpful in clarifying one’s purpose and values, and in giving them a foundation on which to lead. The book also may be used as a supplemental text in courses on leadership.