Jun

30

The importance of philosophy to great leadership

Filed Under Organisational Leadership, Personal Leadership 

Google has taken time to clearly articulate their business philosophy, described in the article, “Ten things Google has found to be true”. The article highlights Google’s beliefs, values and principles, which guides how they go about growing and managing their business. The ten things that comprise Google’s business philosophy are:

  1. Focus on the user and all else will follow.
  2. It’s best to do one thing really, really well.
  3. Fast is better than slow.
  4. Democracy on the web works.
  5. You don’t need to be at your desk to need an answer.
  6. You can make money without doing evil.
  7. There’s always more information out there.
  8. The need for information crosses all borders.
  9. You can be serious without a suit.
  10. Great just isn’t good enough.

These are the ten things that support Google’s business philosophy and guide Google’s leadership. In the same way, all leaders need a personal leadership philosophy, a set of values, beliefs and principles that influence how they act and lead.

“In order to live, man must act; in order to act, he must make choices; in order to make choices, he must define a code of values; in order to define a code of values, he must know what he is and where he is—i.e., he must know his own nature (including his means of knowledge) and the nature of the universe in which he acts—i.e., he needs metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, which means: philosophy. He cannot escape from this need; his only alternative is whether the philosophy guiding him is to be chosen by his mind or by chance.” - Ayn Rand, 1966, “Philosophy and Sense of Life” from What makes Ayn Rand’s philosophy unique?

Many leaders fail to take the time to think and reflect on their leadership philosophy, the beliefs, values and principles that supports their leadership. A leaders philosophy is grounded in who they are as individuals. A clear leadership philosophy supports consistent action, building credibility and trust with the leader’s constituents.

  • What are the ten things that form the basis of your leadership philosophy?
  • Do you live your ten things?

 

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5 Responses to “The importance of philosophy to great leadership”

  1. Boom Daniel on June 30th, 2008 21:11

    Coming from an environment where mnemonics rule (USMC), having 10-14 values that you hang your hat on works…people can remember the mnemonic and then adjust behavior to satisfy. With that, I’d alter my reference point from “what are the 10 things…” to “what are the 4-6 things…”

    But your point is valid and important. Organizations must have guiding precepts and Be-No’s (where you will not go) in order to define their playing field.

    That’s it- Check Six!
    http//:checksixtv.googlepages.com

  2. What Leadership Demands - Philosophy & Legacy on July 2nd, 2008 13:01

    [...] The Importance of Philosophy to Great Leadership [...]

  3. Dan McCarthy on July 4th, 2008 15:16

    George –

    Here’s mine(I have 12):

    http://greatleadershipbydan.blogspot.com/2008/06/leadership-rules.html

  4. Chris on July 7th, 2008 12:30

    A nice post, Leadership is so much about awareness of ourselves and those around us. Some guiding principles will certainly help each of us as we try to become better leaders.

  5. Bill Nelson on July 9th, 2008 12:40

    It is a great aspect to consider. I believe the key benefit to a philosophy of leadership is that it brings with it a consistency of approach. Not that you become predictable but it allows those that you lead to know and understand you and what your beliefs are.

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