Ethical And Value-Based Leadership Practices Discussion Paper

Book Review: Leadership AS Identity: The Four Traits OF Those Who Wield Lasting Influence

Published in 2009, the book by Crawford Loritts, “Leadership as Identity: The Four Traits of Those Who Wield Lasting Influence”, offers the reader a profound and fresh perspective on leadership. The book delves deep into the core of leadership, taking on and challenging traditional paradigms about leadership, hence providing foundational thoughts on what constitutes effective leadership. With increasing diversity in terms of what defines an effective leader, the author summarizes the understanding of an effective leader in four keywords, including brokenness, communion, servanthood and obedience. The four are attributed as key aspects or frameworks for leadership as an identity. This paper provides a detailed book review of the book by Loritts on the four traits of effective leadership. Ethical And Value-Based Leadership Practices Discussion Paper

The publication by Loritts, ‘Leadership as Identity’, is presented on the roots of the ideology that authentic leadership stems from character and personal identity and not authority and external titles. The author’s focus aligns with the fact that God doesn’t view leaders and leadership as the world does. Developing genuine leadership is, in turn, key to the development of an all-round leader founded on the traits the author believes inform effective and genuine leadership. These include brokenness, radical and immediate obedience, radical and immediate obedience, and radical and immediate obedience. The author contends that individuals who adopt and integrate these traits develop a desire and potential to wield a lasting influence with reference to their roles as leaders.

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One of the key strong and takeaway points in regard to the book by Loritts is the author’s ability to present what seemed like complex ideas in a clear and relatable manner. Drawing from his strong and extensive experience as a leader and pastor, the author provides relatable and real-life examples that help the reader connect effectively with the ideas presented. These aspects of the author’s connection with real-life scenes help the book reach a wide range of audiences, such as notable and seasoned leaders who look forward to refining their leadership skills to newbies or individuals aspiring and getting into leadership roles. Ethical And Value-Based Leadership Practices Discussion Paper

The author recognizes brokenness as the foundational basis of effective leadership. Leaders who develop an awareness of their aspect of brokenness and limitations tend to display or exhibit humility-based qualities such as empathy, openness to growth, and flexibility to accommodate other ideas to foster growth. Leadership is presented as flexible and not static. The rapid pace of changes occurring in the field of leaders results in effective leaders seeking new ways of relating to upcoming aspects influencing leadership. The vulnerability of a leader enables them to connect with others in depth while building trust with their subjects, organizations and other professional leaders.

On the other hand, the authors focus on the issue of character development and integrity. The main focus on leadership is not the outward success of the leader but rather the inward transformation achieved. The author, in turn, motivates leaders to prioritize ethical and moral values, which in turn play a critical impact on the leaders’ decision-making as well as the cultural identity of their organizations. Ethical And Value-Based Leadership Practices Discussion Paper

Nevertheless, while the publication offers valuable insight into the principles and fundamentals of effective leadership, it has some shortcomings or limitations, including a lack of in-depth focus on the four major identified traits. It would be great if the book provided detailed approaches to cultivating the four traits in one’s leadership practices and journey. The author draws from biblical examples and Christian faith to support his ideologies and arguments. This heavy borrowing into Christianity may make some readers find the strong religious aspects challenging. On the other hand, while his heavy drawing from the Christian faith can resonate and be enriching with those who share his beliefs, it may, however, fail to resonate with a more diverse or secular audience.

The author’s position and detailed focus on effective leadership denote a practical approach, vulnerability and authenticity, as well as the need for character-centered leadership. The author makes complex leadership ideologies accessible, hence indicating the ability and communication skills needed, as he offers more than theoretical ideas but wisdom that the readers can adopt. For example, the idea of brokenness is viewed as an approach to motivate leaders to accept their imperfections and, in turn, be humble in their practice as leaders. More so, leaders are not about projecting infallibility but rather being authentic and relatable to one’s followers. Finally, the author recognizes ethical and value-based leadership practices that inform decision-making by leaders, an aspect that relates to modern leadership models. Ethical And Value-Based Leadership Practices Discussion Paper

In summary, the book Leadership as Identity: The Four Traits of Those Who Wield Lasting Influence’ is a thinking-provoking and compelling exploration of leadership and what makes an effective leader from a unique perspective. The idea presented by the author challenged conventional notions of leadership while supporting leadership as the ultimate matter of character and identity. In today’s society, leadership has been associated with power, titles and authority. Loritt’s book is an indispensable recommendation for any interested reader as it offers refreshing and transformative insight that resonates with readers who believe that true leadership is more about one’s heart and soul. Ethical And Value-Based Leadership Practices Discussion Paper