I met with a couple of colleagues last week and explored the concept of the ‘enlightened’ Scottish leader.
We brainstormed a number of characteristics/attributes of the ‘enlightened’ leader. I’ve tried to put them into coherent groups and them given each group a related Value. The seven values (would you believe it) are:
Integrity; Openness; Commitment; Vigour; Compassion; Authority; and Judgement
This is very much work in progress but the associated dictionary definitions provide some semblance of logic and at least mean something to me. Comments welcome.
Value: INTEGRITY
Characteristics:
Honesty – truthfulness, sincerity
Self-critical – capable of criticising oneself objectively.
Pragmatic – behaviour that is dictated more by practical consequences than by theory or dogma
Independent – Free from outside control; not depending on another’s authority
Moral Courage – the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.
Transparency – operating in such a way that it is easy for others to see what actions are performed
Value: OPENNESS
Characteristics:
Free thinking – inclined to forms one’s own opinions rather than depend upon authority; exhibiting boldness of speculation; skeptical of authority.
Enlightened – having or showing a rational, modern, and well-informed outlook
Tolerant – able to tolerate the beliefs, actions, opinions, etc., of others
Innovative – to renew or improve things
Value: COMMITMENT
Characteristics:
Hardworking – characterised by hard work and perseverance
Service – the action of helping or doing work for someone.
Duty – refer to what one feels bound or obliged to do.
Resilient – recovering readily from adversity
VALUE: VIGOUR
Characteristics:
Aspirational – strong desire and ambition
Energetic – possessing, exerting, or displaying energy
Dynamic – pertaining to or characterized by energy or effective action; vigorously active or forceful; energetic
Positive – tending to emphasize what is good or laudable; constructive
VALUE: COMPASSION
Characteristics:
Humility – is the quality of being modest and respectful.
Co-operative – marked by willingness to cooperate
Compassionate – feeling or showing compassion; sympathetic
Complementary – combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize each other’s qualities.
Generous – liberal in giving or sharing; unselfish; free from meanness or pettiness; magnanimous.
Supportive – providing encouragement or emotional help.
Receptive – ready and willing to receive favourably
Humour – the faculty of perceiving and expressing or appreciating what is amusing
VALUE: AUTHORITY
Characteristics:
Competitive – having a strong desire to succeed.
Decisive – having or showing the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively
Confident – having strong belief or full assurance; sure
Determined – marked by or showing determination; resolute
Passion – a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept
VALUE: JUDGEMENT
Characteristics:
Long-term – lasting, staying, or extending over a long time
Rational – having or exercising reason, sound judgment, or good sense:
Learner – someone who learns or takes up knowledge or beliefs
Considered – thought about or decided upon with care