What is a leadership principle? Below, I’ll give examples of different leadership principles. I think it’s important to understand that being a leader is more than principles, it is having a heart that cares about people, a life predicated on a greater good, and serving others. In my experience being a leader is multifaceted but let’s dive into some examples of Principles for leadership.

What is a Leadership Principle in the Workplace?

First, in my experience, there are universal principles that apply in both the workplace and a leader’s personal life. Second, some principles only apply in only one area or the other.

Workplaces should have leadership principles that all team members know and use. These principles dictate how leaders communicate, delegate, motivate, and build trust within their teams. They are the foundation for effective teamwork and productivity.

An example of one that comes from the 7 principles of leadership, “Set the Example.” Leaders who embody this principle understand the power of leading by example. Inspiring their team through action rather than just words. “Set the Example” is a universal principle that applies to both the workplace and your personal life.

What is a Leadership Principle in Business?

Leadership principles are equally important in the broader context of business. More specifically, leadership principles direct the way leadership occurs in the business rather than operations or teamwork. Over the past decade, I’ve seen how leadership shapes culture, strategy, and the overall success of an organization. Leadership is also responsible for an organization’s failure. If you are a leader or going to become one being founded on principles is vital for success.

An example of a leadership principle in business could be “Customer Obsession,” one of Amazon’s leadership principles. This principle emphasizes placing the customer at the center of everything, a mindset that has undoubtedly contributed to Amazon’s massive success.

One of my personal examples, of a leadership principle in business would be “Stepping Stone.” Leaders are there to serve their teams and oftentimes are just stepping stones to people the team forward where they need to go.

Leadership Principles Examples

Leadership principles oftentimes are not company-centric but rather personal. So you might find that they are as diverse as the leaders who live by them. However, certain principles stand out due to their universal relevance and impact.

Just like I promised here are some principles to explore:

1. Integrity: This principle encourages leaders to act with honesty and uphold high ethical standards.
2. Vision: Leaders must have a clear, compelling vision for the future to guide their team’s efforts.
3. Courage: This principle involves making tough decisions and taking calculated risks.
4. Humility: Great leaders understand that they don’t have all the answers and are open to learning from others.
5. Empowerment: This involves empowering team members to take ownership of their roles and contribute their best. Think of the one mentioned above, “Stepping Stone”

These are just a few examples of the 11 principles of leadership with explanation. Each principle serves as a stepping stone towards becoming a more effective leader.

Amazon’s Leadership Principles

I mentioned Amazon above, they are one of the world’s most successful companies. They also attribute much of their success to its 14 leadership principles. These principles, include “Customer Obsession,” “Think Big,” and “Insist on the Highest Standards.” They use these principles to shape their leaders and guide every decision, big or small, within the company.

The Five Principles of Leadership

While there are many leadership principles, some experts boil them down to five key areas: Vision, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Continuous Learning, and Service. These five principles of leadership serve as a comprehensive guide for any leader seeking to inspire and motivate their team. They are a great starting place. The better you know your self the more important principles become, but you will also find which ones you value the most.

The Power of Leadership Principles

Whether it’s the 7 principles of leadership or the 11 principles of leadership examples, these core values play a crucial role in shaping influential leaders. They serve as a roadmap, guiding leaders toward their goals and helping them overcome challenges along the way.

Remember, leadership is not about titles or positions. It’s about action, influence, and the ability to drive positive change. So, ask yourself today, what is your leadership principle? How will it inspire your journey to personal growth and self-improvement in business and life? If you can change your world will change too.