Who we are matters because it shapes our leadership. We lead out of our beliefs and values, our assumptions and commitments. Everyone who looks to us for leadership cares about our character. Our leadership impacts the lives of those around us. What we value, what we believe about life, work, people, and relationships will affect the way we relate to people.
Character is relational.
It is how we are known. And these values and beliefs feed the assumptions that shape the culture of our communities. And, as Edgar Schein argues persuasively in Organizational Culture and Leadership, culture shapes everything the organization does consciously or unconsciously. Leaders communicate culture when they act out of their character. Who we choose to be is felt throughout the organization.