My goal in leading is to mobilize the energy of many others around a shared mission. In this sense, leadership is exercised by empowering. My primary motivations are first to establish solid values as the foundation for the work, practice, and organization I lead. Then from that foundation, my motivation is to bring the best possible growth to others. I influence growth through team leader positions where I have a close and cohesive relationship with the leadership team. I frequently provide a catalyst influence to groups and organizations, especially when there are new initiatives to be started. I enjoy being a prime mover, pioneer, and innovator.

As a leader, I believe there are specific personal and organizational core convictions that inspire confidence and trust and are requisite for a healthy organization to achieve its full mission. The value of these convictions is commensurate with their significance and practice across the broader organization. These four convictions will influence my leadership approach of listening, clarifying, discerning, aligning, unifying, innovating, networking, communicating, and sustaining commitment. I will address these four convictions separately in future blogs.

Alan Baker is Principal of Strategic Foundations and ministered in the Navy and Marine Corps as a chaplain. He now serves Fuller Theological Seminary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary as an adjunct faculty member, and Senior Fellow at the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy.