Total Leadership: A Framework for Four-Way Wins
Professor Stew Friedman’s Total Leadership approach, developed at Wharton and Ford, offers a powerful framework for achieving success across all aspects of life. It’s about creating “four-way wins” – positive impacts on work, home, community, and self.
The Three Principles of Total Leadership:
- Be Real: Authenticity is key. This means clarifying what’s most important to you and acting in alignment with your values.
- Be Whole: Recognize and respect the interconnectedness of your life. Total Leadership encourages integrating work, home, community, and personal well-being.
- Be Innovative: Strive for creativity and synergy. Seek solutions that benefit all four areas of your life simultaneously.
Total Leadership in Action: The Ford Example
Professor Friedman shares a compelling case study of Total Leadership’s implementation at Ford Motor Company. The results were remarkable:
- Improved employee well-being and work-life balance.
- Significant cost savings and increased revenue.
- These wins were achieved through open communication and honest feedback.
Challenges and Overcoming Resistance:
Implementing Total Leadership isn’t without its hurdles. Key challenges include:
- Overcoming resistance to change within organizations.
- Encouraging leaders to embrace vulnerability and seek truth.
Professor Friedman’s Future Plans:
After retiring from Wharton, Professor Friedman plans to dedicate more time to family and mentoring.