A new study reveals the power of a leader’s character in organizational settings. A study led by Dr. Jason Jones and Strata Leadership, LLC, investigated the perception that employees have of their supervisor’s and their senior leadership’s level of character.
A significant positive link was found between an employee’s perception of their supervisor’s character and the effort the employee puts into his or her work. Character perception of the supervisor also affected employee motivation and engagement level.
A connection was also found linking the perception of the senior leadership team’s character to employee effort and engagement.
“When a leader brings both skill and character to their work, employees appreciate it. They are inspired to give more of themselves and engage more deeply in their work,” says, workplace psychologist and leadership consultant Dr. Jason Jones. “Leaders must continue to develop their character along with their skill to continue to be relevant and effective in today’s workplace.”
Leadership expert and best-selling author John Maxwell agrees, “Character is who we are on the inside and foundational to everything we do. What we think. What we say. Our actions.”
“We live in a world that values competence and talent, yet it’s our desire and ability to apply our skill with character behaviors that create enduring leadership strength and effectiveness,” says Strata Leadership Chief Executive Dr. Nathan Mellor.
Findings were based on employee survey responses from 31 U.S. companies representing various industries over an eighteen month period that ended in 2018.
The data gathered was independently analyzed and reported ensuring statistical integrity. The character metric, in this study, was measured by six statements that each respondent rated. Statements included: My supervisor acts consistently with the values of our organization, My supervisor stands up for what is right, and My supervisor treats everyone with respect, among others.
Character development is gaining momentum in the workplace as companies discover the importance of employing leaders who display competence and character, which foster positive culture, ethical business practices, and can boost the bottom-line.
According to Jones, “The way in which a leader chooses to lead and interact with others is under the microscope more now than ever before. People want to follow a leader who acts with character. Leading with character sparks motivation and engagement usually resulting in greater loyalty and higher performance on the job.”
Dr. Jason Jones is a workplace psychologist and recognized expert in employee motivation and engagement based in Dallas, Texas. Through his keynote speeches, writing, and consultation, he shares techniques rooted in the latest behavior and brain science that help leaders activate the best in their people.
Visit www.DrJasonJones.com or call (214) 810-4900 for more information
Strata Leadership, LLC, headquartered in Oklahoma City, is a leadership development company serving more than 800,000 people around the world each year through their character development resources, training, consulting, and coaching services.
Visit www.StrataLeadership.com or call (877) 357-0001 for more information.
