Leadership Formula From a Civil Rights Perspective Presentation - Office of Civil Rights

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THIS PRESENTATION WILL COVER A LEADERSHIP FORMULA THAT CAN BE APPLIED TO ANY BUSINESS,
WHETHER IT’S FEDERAL, PRIVATE OR THE PUBLIC SECTOR. WE WILL COVER THE FOLLOWING UNIVERSAL TOPICS:
(H.I.C.A.R.) WHICH STANDS FOR: HONESTY, INTEGRITY, COMMITMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPECT;
OTHER UNIVERSAL TOPICS INCLUDE:
PURPOSE, KINDNESS AND COMPASSION; HUMILITY;
THE 5 C’s WHICH ARE:
CHARACTER, COMPETENCE, COMMUNICATION, COMMITMENT, COURAGE; AND FINALLY:
JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS; AND FAITH.
(ASK THE GROUP: WHAT IS THE MOST FREQUENTLY SIGHTED TRAIT OF A GOOD LEADER)
(ANSWER: HONESTY) A TEAM OF MANAGEMENT EXPERTS IN THE UNITED STATES CONDUCTED A SURVEY OF SEVERAL THOUSAND PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD AND SEVERAL HUNDRED CASE STUDIES. THEY FOUND THAT HONESTY WAS THE MOST FREQUENTLY CITED TRAIT OF A GOOD LEADER. IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW NOBLE OR WORTHWHILE YOUR CAUSE; IF YOU HAVE NOT EARNED PEOPLE'S TRUST BY KEEPING YOUR WORD AND BEING TRUE TO YOUR VALUES, PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW YOU ONLY SO FAR.

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LEADERSHIP FORMULA =
VISION + VALUE X FAITH + FOLLOWERS X COMMITMENT + COURAGE + CHARACTER + COMPETENCE +
COMMUNICATION = LEADERSHIP

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CHARACTER – WHAT A LEADER IS -- THE OUTER DIMENSION
COMPETENCE – WHAT A LEADER DOES
COMMUNICATION – THE CHIEF TOOL OF LEADERSHIP, WHAT A LEADER SAYS
COMMITMENT – WHAT A LEADER IS CALLED TO DO
COURAGE – WHAT A LEADER STANDS FOR; ALSO A LEADER IS NOT AFRAID TO ADMIT FAILURE. A GOOD LEADER LEARNS FROM HIS/HER FAILURES

THESE ARE IMPORTANT TRAITS TO LOOK FOR WHEN SEEKING OUT A GOOD LEADER!

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LETS BEGIN WITH THE FIRST TRAIT: ITS VISION
ASK THE AUDIENCE: WHAT IS FHWA VISION?
ONE OF WEBSTER’S DEFINITION OF VISION IS: A THOUGHT, CONCEPT, OR OBJECT FORMED BY THE IMAGINATION.
IF A LEADER CAN CONCIEVE A CONCEPT AND BRING IT TO FRUITION, HE WILL LEAD AN ORGANIZATION SUCCESSFULLY.

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IS THIS A VISION YOU WOULD HAVE FOR FHWA AS A LEADER? IF YOU WERE LEADING FHWA WOULD THIS BE YOUR VISION?
DO YOU THINK THIS WOULD MOTIVATE EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW YOU?

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IF YOU WERE THE LEADER OF CIVIL RIGHTS WOULD THIS VISION MOTIVATE EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW YOU? IF NOT, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR VISION FOR THE OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS.

ASK THE AUDIENCE: WHAT ARE FHWA VALUES? THE VALUES ARE:

PUBLIC SERVICE
INTEGRITY
RESPECT
FAMILY
COLLABORATION AND
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

DOES FHWA’s LEADERS LIVE UP TO THESE VALUES?

Federal Highway Administration

Values

Public Service – We are committed to the pursuit of professional excellence motivated by serving the public interest and providing high quality products and timely services.
Integrity – Ethics, fairness and honesty define the way we do our work and conduct ourselves. We have the courage to both be innovative and make tough decisions.

Federal Highway Administration

Values

Respect – We value individual diversity and the unique strengths, skills, expertise, and background of our employees. We treat others in a polite and courteous manner.
Family - We support, care about, listen to and respond to employees and their family needs.

Federal Highway Administration

Values

Collaboration – We maximize our collective talents through teamwork and partnerships based on mutual trust, respect, support, cooperation and communication.
Personal Development – Through a wide variety of learning opportunities, we nurture the development and use of leadership, technical and professional skills in all of our employees.

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BASED ON THIS, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS VALUES ARE?

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HONESTY, INTEGRITY,

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COMMITMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY

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LAST, BUT NOT LEAST...RESPECT

RESPECT INCLUDES SEVERAL ELEMENTS, HOWEVER I’VE CHOSEN TO FOCUS ON THESE 3.

ACCEPTANCE OF DIFFERENCES SUCH AS: SKILL SETS; EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUD, A VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES, SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIFFERENCES, ETC.

CONSIDERATION: WE SHOULD STRIVE TO TREAT OTHERS THE WAY THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED...

DIGNITY: THE QUALITY OR STATE OF BEING WORTHY, HONORED, OR ESTEEMED.

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WHAT IS FHWA’s MISSION? DOES ANYONE KNOW? WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OUR MISSION? WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?

Headquarters – Office of Civil Rights

Mission

To promote and foster a non-discriminatory and equitable workplace and protect the rights of the applicants, candidates, participants and employees, in all of Federal Highway Administration's services, programs, and activities.

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APPLICANTS APPLY FOR VARIOUS PROGRAMS WITHIN FHWA

ONCE THEY APPLY, THEY BECOME CANDIDATES, OR BECOME ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FUNDS – WE MAKE THAT DETERMINATION IF THEY MEET CERTAIN CRITEIRA.

ONCE THEY'VE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM(S), THEY BECOME PARTICIPANTS.

THE MISSION ALSO PROTECTS THE RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES...

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FOR EXAMPLE, TO TEST A LEADER'S INTEGRITY IS TO WATCH HIS/HER ATTITUDE TOWARD "PUBLIC" PROPERTY. SOME LEADERS TAKE IT ALL WITH THEM, OTHERS REFUSE TO TAKE A PENNY OF THE FUNDS WITH WHICH THEY BEEN ENTRUSTED.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE IS WHEN A DECISION HAS CONSEQUENCES, AND THE CONSEQUENCES ARE DETRIMENTAL, ONE LOOSES INTEGRITY AND HONESTY WHEN THEY DO NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DECISION MADE.

Honesty and Integrity

"I offer no apology for being honest, but I am sorry if my honesty hurts your feelings."

"Act as if someone else with more power than you is watching."

- Dr. Johnson A. Edosomwan

Purpose

Constantly communicate your purpose, your dedication to it, and the expected rewards of achieving it.

"Adversity can quickly stop a leader who lacks purpose, but it only "fans the flames" of leaders with a strong purpose."
Talk about purpose and people will listen, but to get them to follow, you must act with purpose.
Think big. Even if you fall short, you will still have accomplished a lot.
Focused organizations are exciting, inspiring places to work. Purpose inspires even the most boring task with meaning.

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LEADERS ARE SUPPOSED TO SERVE. LEADERSHIP IS A MISSION, NOT A CAREER.

EXAMPLE: LEADERS THAT LEAVE A LEGACY. MEANING LEADERS MUST PROPERLY TRAIN MORE LEADERS TO CARRY ON THAT LEGACY THEY LEAVE BEHIND. IF MORE LEADERS ARE NOT PROPERLY TRAINED, THE LEGACY WILL DIE.

WHAT WOULD BE THE CENTER OF MY LEADERSHIP? THIS QUESTION MEANS: WHAT VALUES ARE YOU TRULY COMMITTED TO.

WHAT WOULD BE THE CHARACTER OF MY LEADERSHIP?

WHAT WOULD BE THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MY LEADERSHIP? THIS QUESTIONS MEANS: DOES THE SERVICES YOU PERFORM MAKE A DIFFERENCE. WHAT ROLE SHOULD YOU PLAY TO MAKE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.

WHAT WOULD BE THE COMMUNICATION OF MY LEADERSHIP? THIS QUESTIONS MEANS: ARE YOU COMMITTED TO SHARE YOUR SUCCESS WITH OTHER.

WHAT WOULD BE THE COMMUNITY OF MY LEADERSHIP?

EXAMPLE: A LEADER SHOULD PRACTICE WHAT HE/SHE PREACHES. AS A LEADER, YOU CANNOT ASK SOMETHING OF YOUR EMPLOYEE IF YOU ARE NOT CAPABLE OF DOING IT YOURSELF.

EXAMPLE: AN INDIVIDUAL WITHOUT A PURPOSE, IS LIKE A SHIP WITHOUT A RUDDER.

NOTE: DO YOU EVER ASK YOURSELF, WHY AM I WORKING AT FHWA? FIRST OF ALL, YOU MUST KNOW WHERE YOU ARE HEADED.

Communication

To motivate others to reach their goals, you must constantly communicate your message.
"You do not have to be a naturally gifted speaker. Communication skills can be learned."
Repetition is an important tool.
Share information; people will probably find out anyway, but from a less desirable source.
Listen carefully to people and show them you have heard them by responding verbally or taking action.
Acknowledge bad news and thank those "people" who had the courage to deliver it to you.

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IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT LEADERS KEEP A CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION OPEN. USE A VARIETY OF COMMUNICATIONS METHODS. FOR EXAMPLE, DO NOT NEGLECT THE POWER OF FACE-TO-FACE COMMUNICATION; TOO MUCH TIME IS SPENT COMMUNICATING VIA E-MAILS. WE NEED TO MOVE BACK TO THE PERSONAL TOUCH OF ACTUALLY TALKING TO EACH OTHER INSTEAD OF SENDING E-MAILS.

REPETITION IS AN IMPORTANT TOOL, BUT YOU SHOULD USE DIFFERENT WORDS AND MEDIA SO THAT YOUR MESSAGE DOES NOT BECOME STALE.

EFFECTIVE LEADERS ARE EQUALLY COMFORTABLE COMMUNICATING TO INDIVIDUALS, SMALL GROUPS, AND LARGE GATHERINGS, CUSTOMIZING THEIR APPROACHES FOR EACH AUDIENCE.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A NATURALLY GIFTED SPEAKER. COMMUNICATION SKILLS CAN BE LEARNED. FOR EXAMPLE, I (FREDERICK D. ISLER) STUTTERED AS A CHILD, AND MOSES WAS SLOW OF TONGUE.

Kindness and Compassion

Following the Golden Rule does not just make people feel better. It also builds the bottom line by increasing employee loyalty and productivity.
You can not expect employees to treat each other and customers with consideration if their leaders are treating them poorly.
"Sharing the wealth" usually pays off in terms of increased commitment and the creation of a "larger pie."

Kindness and Compassion

In the push to achieve group goals, do not overlook the emotional needs of individuals; watch over each person, not just "the group."
Holding people to high standards and still be kind and have compassion.

"Forgiveness is one of the most powerful actions a leader can take."

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ONE GREAT EXAMPLE OF KINDNESS AND COMPASSION IS &qout;FORGIVENESS&qout;, FORGIVENESS IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL ACTIONS A LEADER CAN TAKE. IN ADDITION, A LEADER NEEDS TO PUSH TO ACHIEVE GROUP GOALS, DO NOT OVERLOOK THE EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS; WATCH OVER EACH PERSON, NOT JUST &qout;THE GROUP&qout;

FOLLOWING THE GOLDEN RULE DOES NOT JUST MAKE PEOPLE FEEL BETTER. IT ALSO BUILDS THE BOTTOM LINE BY INCREASING EMPLOYEE LOYALTY AND PRODUCTIVITY. FOR EXAMPLE TREATING PEOPLE THE WAY YOU WOULD WANT THEM TO TREAT YOU.

M. ANTHONY BURNS, CEO OF RYDER SYSTEMS, CAN BE USED AS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF KINDNESS AND COMPASSION FOR WHAT HE DID AFTER HURRICANE ANDREW HIT FLORIDA. BURNS MADE THE LOBBY OF RYDER'S CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AVAILABLE TO THE UNITED WAY. HE DONATED FOOD AND CLOTHING TO CHARITABLE AGENCIES AND LOANED OUT RYDER'S TRUCKS TO PEOPLE WHO NEEDED TO TRANSPORT THEMSELVES AND POSSESSIONS TO SAFER, DRIER PLACES.

Humility

A leader is no more important than his people, but his actions are.
No matter how much you achieve or how much praise you are given, you are still human and not a god.
Express sincere (not phony) appreciation for your followers. Where and who would you be without them?

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FOR EXAMPLE, THE HIGHER YOU GO IN YOUR CAREER, THE GREATER IMPACT YOUR MISTAKES WILL HAVE ON OTHERS, THEREFORE, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS PRACTICE HUMILITY. IN ADDITION, A LEADER IS "GREATER" THAN OTHERS ONLY INSOFAR AS HE SERVES THEM.

RECOGNIZE THE MUTUALLY DEPENDENCY OF YOURSELF AND ALL OF YOUR FOLLOWERS. FOR EXAMPLE, THE HEAD IS USELESS WITHOUT THE ARMS OR THE FEET.

Humility

Humility says, "I am not in control; high moral principle ultimately govern and control." That takes humility, because the traditional mind-set is "I am in control"...

This mind-set leads to arrogance--the sort of pride that comes before the fall.

Courage

People are inspired by leaders who are realistic about the obstacles but challenge them anyway.
Acts of courage perpetuate additional acts of courage by both leader and followers.
Stand firm in your beliefs - most conflicts can be resolved, thus strengthening both parties’ commitment.

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ONE OF THE PRIMARY CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED LEADERS IS THE COURAGE TO CHANGE. CHANGE BRINGS ABOVE UNCERTAINTY, DISCREPANCIES, NEW CULTURE AND BEHAVIORS, AND NEW EXPECTATIONS AND CHALLENGES THAT AFFECT LEADERS COMFORT ZONES AND PERFORMANCE STABILITY. LEADERS HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CREATING A VISION FOR POSITIVE CHANGE.

ONE GOOD EXAMPLE OF COURAGE IN AN ORGANIZATION, IS WHEN A CEO OF A MAJOR CORPORATION/ORGANIZATION DECIDES NOT TO DOWN SIZE DURING A MAJOR DECLINE OF THE CORPORATION/ORGANIZATION.

ANOTHER GOOD EXAMPLE OF COURAGE IS A LEADER WHO STANDS UP FOR WHAT HE/SHE BELIEVE IN; EVEN THOUGH IT MIGHT SEEM LIKE ALL THE ODDS ARE AGAINST HIM/HER.

Courage

When it is a "close call" between risk and safety, leaders go for the risk.

"Courage is not the absence of fear. It is acting despite the presence of fear."

"Adversity energizes and motivates the courageous leader, but quickly “quenches the fire” of those who lack courage."

"People (and turtles) rarely get anywhere without extending their necks."

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THERE'S AN OLD SAYING, "COURAGE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF FEAR. IT IS ACTING DESPITE THE PRESENCE OF FEAR."

"PEOPLE (AND TURTLES) RARELY GET ANYWHERE WITHOUT EXTENDING THEIR NECKS."

Courage

"Nothing is more challenging and rewarding to execute, nor more delicate to handle, nor more beneficial to implement than to transform and reengineer an organization. The organizational transformation process creates enemies, pains, change, risk, uncertainty and, most importantly, rewards that are beneficial to individuals, organizations and society-at-large."

- Dr. Johnson A. Edosomwan

Justice and Fairness

The most credible leaders believe in fairness to all individuals and groups and act in agreement with these beliefs even when this is uncomfortable or difficult.
The most credible organizations are committed to justice not just in the workplace but in the communities where they are located.

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AN EXAMPLE OF JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS IS A LEADER WHO TREATS HIS/HER EMPLOYEES THE SAME, NO MATTER OF THE LEADER’S PERSONAL FEELING TOWARDS EVERY INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A LEADER EXCISING JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS WILL BE A LEADER WHO IS WILLING TO PERFORM THE SAME DUTIES/TASK HE/SHE REQUIRES THE REST OF THE STAFF TO PERFORM IF THE TABLES WERE TURNED.

Justice and Fairness

A concern for the economically or socially disadvantaged can help not just a leader’s credibility, but also the Federal Highway Administration.

"It is not enough to pursue justice. A leader also needs to reverse injustices and issue deserved rewards quickly.&guot;

Faith

Govern with positive core values.
Organizational successes are reflected in how people think, feel and act on a daily basis.

A life of faith is not intellect and reason, but a life of knowing who makes us "go." The life of faith is attainment of character. It is a life of walking and not fainting. Faith is not intelligent understanding, faith is deliberate commitment when I see no way.

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DO NOT BE AFRAID TO LOOK AT YOUR FAULTS

FAITH IS NOT INTELLIGENT UNDERSTANDING, FAITH IS DELIBERATE COMMITMENT WHEN A LEADER SEES NO WAY.

Faith

Those that lead and manage organizations must use common sense to focus the team on the things that are important to the customers and stakeholders.

"Take a day to heal from the lies you’ve told yourself and the ones that have been told to you."

- Maya Angelou

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"NO ONE OUTSIDE OURSELVES CAN RULE US INWARDLY. WHEN WE KNOW THIS, WE BECOME FREE."

WE CAN’T SEE IT BECAUSE WE KEEP LYING TO OURSELVES. WE LIE BECAUSE WE’VE BEEN LIED TO. YOU ARE CONSTANTLY BEING TOLD THE FOLLOWING:

"YOU ARE NOT A GOOD LEADER"
"YOU CAN'T CHANGE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE EMPLOYEES"
"YOU WILL NEVER IMPROVE THAT OFFICE"
"HOW DO YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING TO DO THAT WITH THOSE EMPLOYEES?"

THE ONLY WAY TO ERADICATE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS, IS WITH THE TRUTH. YOU MUST START BY TELLING THE TRUTH; THAT IS DONE BY ELIMINATING EXCUSES AND STOP BLAMING OTHERS.

Faith

When apparent adversity comes be not cast down by it, but make the best of it, and always look forward for better things.

- Ralph W. Trine

Whatever your problem, no matter how difficult, you can release spiritual power sufficient to solve your problem. The secret is [meditation] and believe.

- Norman Vincent Peale

NOTES

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS A LEADER CAN DO IS MAKE TIME FOR MEDITATION.

Ten Leadership Commandments

Thou shall set the right vision, value and purpose for the organization and shall delegate properly and promptly with clear instructions.
Thou shall lead and serve by completely communicating all data, facts and information, and communicate job expectations effectively.
Thou shall lead and serve by positive example and reward accomplishments in a timely manner.

Ten Leadership Commandments

Thou shall define the plan, approach, deployment, and evaluation processes for all activities and shall avoid too much paperwork, and eliminate non-value-added activities and process.
Thou shall define the tasks, measures, roles, responsibilities, and expected results for the organization.
Thou shall have courage when making decisions.

Ten Leadership Commandments

Thou shall be a team player and a positive influence on culture, values, beliefs, and environment.
Thou shall focus on error and defect prevention and avoid any need for crisis management.
Thou shall encourage innovation, risk-taking and completed staff work.
Thou shall cause customers, recipients, process owners, and stakeholders to have positive core values and to be successful.

Quotes

"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will."

"The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous."

"Without a struggle, there can be no progress."

"Man's greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application, of his powers to things needed to be done."

"People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get."

- Frederick Douglas

Office of Civil Rights

Leadership Formula From a Civil Rights Perspective

Leadership Formula From a Civil Rights Perspective

Introduction