From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership

by Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr.

Silver Medal Winner, Business and Leadership, 2012 Nautilus Book Awards

Respected former CEO, professor, and speaker examines what it takes to become a values-based leader

In this highly-anticipated book, Harry Kraemer argues that today's business environment demands values-based leaders who, in "doing the right thing," deliver outstanding and lasting results. The journey to becoming a values-based leader starts with self-reflection. He asks, "If you are not self-reflective, how can you know yourself? If you do not know yourself, how can you lead yourself? If you cannot lead yourself, how can you lead others?" Kraemer identifies self-reflection as the first of four principles that guide leaders to make choices that honor their values and candidly recounts how these principles helped him navigate some of the toughest challenges he faced in his career.Offers a framework for adopting the principles of values-based leadership--self-reflection, balance, true self-confidence, and genuine humility--to lead organizations effectively Based on Kraemer's popular Kellogg MBA course on values-based leadership A recognized expert in values-based leadership, Kraemer is a sought after speaker on the subject

Lively and engaging, Kraemer's book comes at a critical time when true leadership in every facet of society is desperately needed.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction, Buisness, Self Help, Management, Personal Development

224 pages, Hardcover

First published March 10, 2011

Reviews

[Jonathon Hagger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the truly great books on leadership. It's down to earth with immediate applicable lessons. There is no ego or inflated views but a down to earth, honest and authentic, call to leadership and how to do it well. This book is suitable for anyone who leads a team, a business or an organisation of any size.

[Michael David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Values-based leadership does not assure a perfect company, or perfect management. But the four principles that govern it, namely, self-reflection, balance and perspective, true self-confidence, and genuine humility empowers one to be a true leader with consistent character. Through these principles, one can effect genuine change because other people see one's consistency and values.

Ultimately, it is still better to be able to sleep at night with a clean conscience. Even though I do not belong to the corporate world, this book remains relevant. It is relevant for all people who seek to improve.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical advice

I enjoyed the practical approach laid out in the book and the mindset needed as a leader. I also appreciated the chart on going from reactive to proactive.

[Tiffani Bussie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was one of the most boring, painful books I was ever forced to read by my employer. I am an avid reader for both my professional and personal lives. I actually skipped chapters just together through it. Do yourself a favor and throw this book in the recycle bin.

[Guy Kezirian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Professor Harry Kraemer is an anchor faculty member in the PHYSICIAN CEO Program. He has written several books about his values-based leadership approach, this is the current one and is distributed during the program. Harry comes through the pages loud and clear, this is a wonderful read. By the way, Harry has several videos on You Tube that you may want to check out as well. Enjoy!

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incorporate doing the right thing into your leadership, and make it a priority. Genuine and values-based leadership begins with sincere adherence to a moral code of conduct. While Harry's code of self-awareness, reflection and humility don't explicitly mention faith, Harry could pass for a Catholic Deacon working in the world.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a solid read. There's nothing in here that I would disagree with from a leadership principle perspective. There's also nothing that stood out to me as new, which is okay. Tried and true works for me. Leadership is a daily practice of relarively mundane habits that collectively work toward a goal. Simple but not easy.

[Rob McFarren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty straightforward. Some solid reminders throughout although I wouldn't say anything is ground-breaking or innovative in itself. It's more a straightforward packaging of values-based leadership models within a business setting. Not a bad read at all.

[K Shah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This should have been an essay and not a book. First four chapters were decent but the rest of the book was pretty generic.

[Abhilash Gopalakrishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had always wondered being genuine can you lead best in this era. Kramer takes us through vale based leadership which is timeless!

[Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Bought a copy for every member of my dept.

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful - good principles to consider. Book needs an update though likely as it’s missing any consideration or discussion of how to succeed when you’re not a white, middle-aged male executive.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, easy read full of great points and advice.

[Brian W · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author lays our four leadership principles that, is applied, can have a significant impact on you, your team, and your organization—excellent, easy read.

[AJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Required reading for work :/

"ME me me, I, I, I...." was how this read. Filled with common sense stuff.

Not really my style of book or content, but I got through it.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a time when folks are occupying Wall Street, the gap between CEO and worker continues to widen, and more of the nation's wealth is centered in the pockets of a few at the top, it might be difficult to hear the voice of a corporate leader. It might be worth the time, however, to listen to Harry Kraemer, a former CEO and a professor at the Kellogg School of Management. It's a book about business leadership, but I think that clergy can learn from it as well.

Four values provide the foundation:

1. Self Reflection
2. Balance and Perspective
3. True Self Confidence
4. Genuine Humility.

With these firmly in place one can begin to develop a values based organization (sure a church is such a place) and then lead the organization not only to success by socially responsible significance.

Take a read.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kraemer's book is pretty easy to read and follow, and I liked his four principles of leadership. I wish some of his stories had been fleshed out a little more. It's hard to write a leadership book without tooting your own horn a bit, but I still would have liked to hear more about other good leaders he knows who have inspired him. Still, as far as business/leadership books go, this one is very palatable and I certainly walked away with some new ideas.

[أوس أبوالحاج · Rating 4 out of 5]

فن استثمار القيم ..هذا ما يتحدث عنه الكتاب ..
وذلك من خلال المبادى الاربعة للقيادة القيمية :
-التأمل الذاتي:يوفر لك الوقت الكافي لمراجعة قراراتك و دراسة خياراتك تودي الى ان تقل نسب تعرضك للصدمات المفاجئة .
-التوازن:يخول لنا اتخاذ القرارات الحاسمة و إدراك عواقبها عوضاً عن التفكير ضيق الأفق .
-الثقة بالنفس .
-التواضع .

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A recent professor of the year at Kellog, this book is based on his teachings. Really good stuff, a lot more fun to hear him tell it than to read it though. Everyone could use his approach of self-reflection, balance, genuine self-confidence and humility.

[Bailey L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of this book was helpful and applicable to any leader, but after that was only really tailored to organizational leaders. He was sort of bragging about himself and even acknowledged it, so that was weird. Not going to recommend this one to anyone.

[Paul Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straightforward, concise framework for determining and then leading with your core values. Kraemer is open and honest with his successes and failures and what he learned from each. I recommend as a leadership book!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read with excellent advice on anchoring to your principles. I am fortunate enough to have heard the author speak twice - an incredibly animated and engaging speaker! That experience made his stories in the book come more to life for me.

[Sharon Summerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book, and one I have come back to many times. This book provides great insights on looking at your values and taking the time to reflect. It through our reflections we find our best ways forward and always remember where you came from.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not just for companies. Anyone wanting to enhance their life can benefit from these simple principles. It's about just being a better person really.

[Joe Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for leaders to share with their team but would not make it an all read.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ MAR 2013

Nice read from a leader sharing their experience. Good points made in a non-academic way.

[Gerold · Rating 4 out of 5]

the foundation of any leadership 1) self-reflection 2) balance 3) true self-confidence 4) genuine humility => essential read for everyone who claims to be a "manager" !

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

strong start, but tailed off after the first four chapters

[Wah Keh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read and understand. The four principles are intuitive and easy to remember and apply.

[पार्थ भट्ट · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great book on corporate leadership with values. Easy to read with lots of real life examples.