The Sacrifices of Moral Authority
Many have titles. Some have skill. Only elite leaders have moral authority.
Moral authority is influence earned because others trust your motives, character, and intentions.
“The essence of moral authority is sacrifice.” Robert Greenleaf
The less you hunt for status, the more you find.
The Sacrifices of Moral Authority
#1. Contribution
You serve the work, or you serve yourself.
Viktor Frankl first asked, “What is it that I want?” Then he looked higher and asked, “What is wanted of me?”
Moral authority grows when ego bows to service. You don’t gather moral authority like titles. It’s a gift given by others.
Challenge: Forget personal advantage. Ask, “What does the good work ask of you today?”
#2. Others Before Self
Servant leaders sacrifice self-importance.
Imagine a boss who serves the best interest of others. Would you follow him? Would you trust her?
The foundation of ethical authority is humility.
Ego loves personal advantage. Servant leaders advantage others.
- What’s on your mind when you show up at work?
- Who do you serve?
- What’s your greatest contribution as a leader?
Project: List how people are better because you lead. Ask people to anonymously write one way you bring value to their lives. (This project requires humility.)
#3. Listening
If listening is easy, you aren’t doing it.
Leaders listen. It’s more than keeping your mouth shut.
Listeners instill responsibility by exploring the worth in other people’s ideas. You build confidence by being willing to change your mind.
Saint Francis prayed, “Grant that I may not so much seek to be understood as to understand.”
Challenge: When someone finishes speaking, count to two before you respond.
Who has moral authority in your world? What are their sacrifices?
The Real Truth About Authority, Power, and Position
The language of power and authority in leadership – ScienceDirect
Paul was a great example of this in Philemon.
I love he project idea of listing how people are better because you lead and asking people to anonymously write one way you bring value to their lives. I think I will try that with my staff.
Me, too!
Many years ago when I was a 20-something HR staffing rep for a Fortune 500 company, I remember getting a new “Senior HR VP”. When he was introduced to the department, he kindly corrected the director and said that his title was Sr VP of Customer Satisfaction through People Involvement. It was his official title and was a mouthful, but in a highly competitive service industry it really resonated to me and others. “Customer Satisfaction through People Involvement” is a value you try to live each and every day at work today.
Doesn’t moral authority comes from consistently living your values. When people see that your actions match what you say you believe, they begin to trust your judgment and leadership. People respect leaders who “walk the talk.”
Moral authority grows when people see you stick to your principles even when it is inconvenient, risky, or costly.
“The essence of moral authority is sacrifice.” Robert Greenleaf
What an amazing quote!!! This is what will create an incredible workplace culture and healthy doses of loyalty. Politicians, coaches, and supervisors need to remember this…and me of course. Wow!!!
This is a great post! Living into your values is always the way to go, and it will bring you to moral authority because of the sacrifice and scars you will have on the other side of all of those decisions made.