We believe that fluent leaders recognize several aspects of the complexity surrounding leadership. One who is fluent in leadership believes in and values:
Self-Awareness - Fluent leaders have an accurate self-awareness based upon reflection and accurate feedback. They actively solicit feedback from people who are in a position to observe their leadership behavior.
Relationships Built on Trust - The fluent leader is clear about boundaries, openly shares information, and recognizes and rewards achievement. The leader trusts others and is seen by others as trustworthy.
Core Values - Fluent leaders develop a set of core values through facilitating consensus around a set of shared organizational beliefs and they work to insure that these beliefs are reflected in the systems, structures, choices, and decisions of the organization as a means of shaping its organizational culture.
Systems/Context Approach - Fluent leaders recognize the interdependency of all the parts within the organizational system and consider the potential impact of decisions, choices, and initiatives on all of the parts in the short and long term. They recognize that all actions happen in a wider context inside and outside the organization.
Inclusion - Fluent leaders respect and believe in the abilities of followers and know that getting work done through others is a result of listening to and engaging with them. Leaders see endless possibilities and are persistent in their search for solutions that have mutual gain for themselves and for those who look to them for direction and guidance. They have a sense of being follower-focused and view leadership as a gift, not a perk. Leaders assess and respond to the needs of their followers as followers attempt to respond to the needs of the organization.
Purposefulness - Fluent leaders are clear and articulate about expectations. Leaders operate with great transparency, so that people are able to see and know what they are thinking without having to guess about their motives and perspective.
Accountability - Fluent leaders are data driven. Data is collected, analyzed and shared by all. The leader and others in the organization have the information they need to problem solve, self-correct, and be productive.
Proactive Responsiveness - Fluent leaders operate in a dynamic and nimble fashion in a constantly changing environment. They recognize that change and keeping all the balls in the air all the time is just a way of life for effective leaders. They take time to take stock of what’s going on around them and within themselves when making decisions.
Being Learning-Minded - Fluent leaders recognize the value of developing people (themselves and others) in a generative way, both professionally and personally. They seek to create an environment of learning where knowledge is created and shared rather than to focus only on training in their efforts at developing people. They are not afraid of “losing” good people because they don't see themselves as “owning” people.
Leadership as a Developmental Process - Fluent leaders believe most people have the capacity to learn about and to become effective leaders regardless of their innate style or their position in an organization. The fluent leader knows how to help self and others recognize and maximize their own leadership potential. They are knowledgeable of the social, political, economic, and technological developments that affect the organization’s activities.
