COLUMN: Deliberately Dangerous Leadership | The Gazette

You’ll want to identify your values and think about how they connect to your leadership style

Being the lone voice for justice and taking action when no one else will. Advocating for what is right over what is popular and making decisions based on values are examples of deliberately dangerous leadership. These actions can feel risky because they often represent a rebellious path, especially in environments that prioritize conformity for its own sake.

Dangerous leaders know when to reject conformity. They understand that sometimes conforming to the norm makes sense, but they don’t do it blindly. Instead, they engage intentionally based on their value systems without questioning whether their actions conform to external standards.

When we focus on values-based leadership, four leadership styles typically emerge: transformational leadership, servant leadership, ethical leadership, and authentic leadership.

Transformational leadership is characterized by the articulation of a shared vision. These leaders inspire their followers with a compelling mission and vision for their organizations and excel in empowering others to achieve their goals. An example of transformational leadership in action is Steve Jobs and his work at Apple.

Servant leadership prioritizes the needs of others, including employees, clients, contractors, and anyone associated with the organization. Servant leaders foster a culture of trust and empowerment. Herb Kelleher, the founder of Southwest Airlines, is often celebrated for creating a culture centered around fun, engagement, and people.

Ethical leadership involves making challenging decisions that align with both the organization’s core values and the leader’s own values. These leaders uphold integrity, fairness, and ethical standards. Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. exemplify this leadership style. A notable example is how Johnson & Johnson managed the recall of 31 million bottles of Tylenol after they were found to be contaminated with cyanide. They prioritized public safety over financial gain throughout the incident.

Authentic leadership, although often diluted by clichés, requires courage. Authentic leaders must be open and honest about their values, even when these values differ from those of the surrounding culture. Authentic leaders foster trust through their transparency and respect. Oprah Winfrey is frequently cited as an authentic leader for her genuine connection with her audience and her open, honest approach to her public life.

While these styles categorize various values-based approaches, values-based leadership can also be understood more broadly. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), “Values-based leadership is both a leadership style and a philosophy that builds on the shared beliefs and assumptions of the leader and the team.” Dangerous leaders remain loyal to their personal and professional values, collaborating with others to find the best information and options for any given situation.

As a dangerous leader, engaging based on your values is essential to leading intentionally and with a deliberate focus on your contributions and interactions. To reflect on this, consider two questions: First, do I understand what my values are and how they connect with my leadership style? Second, how do the people around me respond during interactions with me? These questions can lead to further inquiries and, ultimately, a greater level of awareness — an essential trait of a dangerous leader’s mindset.

Live Dangerously, Be You.

Dr. Jennifer Smith is a Cedar Rapids-based professional coach and speaker, specializing in transforming trauma into growth in life and leadership. Comments: [email protected]; @dr.jennsmith on Instagram