The Four Vs of Leadership: Vision, Values, Value‐Added, and Vitality, 1st ed.

Citation

Bullock, J. (2008), "The Four Vs of Leadership: Vision, Values, Value‐Added, and Vitality, 1st ed.", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 29 No. 1, pp. 103-104. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730810845324

The Four Vs of Leadership: Vision, Values, Value‐Added, and Vitality is designed to help readers have “a clear perspective about who you are and what you hope to be doing in the future” by drawing on proven coaching techniques. A career development framework is presented that helps readers balance priorities while recognising the interrelationship between work and life. The four Vs create an easy‐to‐remember framework that leverages ingredients critical to leadership success while supporting an individual's physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. The framework does not impose a certain philosophy or World view, but rather works within the context of the reader's own religious beliefs and cultural background. The book is about making purposeful choices and decisions that affect one's future. Readers are advised to be ready to “clarify your personal vision, live your values, focus your value‐added, and grow your sources of vitality”.

The book begins with a brief description of the Four Vs framework to establish meanings for each of these vital elements, thereby helping readers associate them with their personal circumstances and aspirations. Vision is grounded in a firm understanding of who are you are and what you hope to become. This is not a static perspective, but rather “a dynamic vision that is evolving with you enabling constructive changes to happen in different spheres of your life while recognising your responsibilities”. Values, on the other hand, are constant throughout life and are precepts for living, as well as the lens through which decisions are evaluated. Value‐added is the element that makes this book unique in that it contemplates “bringing a distinctive contribution that makes a significant difference to personal or organisational outcomes”. This entails examining strengths, overcoming setbacks, and developing resilience to be able to add value in the midst of challenges and changing circumstances. Vitality examines sources of energy, identifying those activities that drain energy or create a surge of energy. Time is viewed differently in this context, as it is not measured by a clock but “instead you will be strongly influenced in your use of time by how you can influence others for good in the most constructive way”. Next, the book examines inner forces that keep the four Vs in equilibrium during difficult situations: courage that allows you to make a difference and calmness giving rise to peace of mind. Self‐awareness and control strengthens these forces so they can be tapped in times of significant conflict or duress. The framework is completed with an examination of the meaning and ideal of success relative to family, work, and community facets of life. The definition of success will change during life and can be pinpointed by asking: “How do you want to be remembered?” Success does not require achievement of lofty goals but rather making a difference every day through meaningful contributions for the benefit of others. The discussion concludes with a big picture examination of the framework, encouraging readers to consider their lives and next steps. Finally, to illustrate the framework, two case studies present application of the four Vs. The first case study involves an individual going for a promotion, working through the framework in four stages: before the interview, before starting the new job, three months into the new job, and a year later. The second case study examines how a team making major decisions can leverage the framework to “provide a robust and purposeful way forward”.

The Four Vs is based on Shaw's experiences and expertise. Although it is replete with examples and illustrations this is not just another leadership book based on empirical studies or tomes of research. Instead, the narrative is easy to follow and apply, being written in a manner representing a dialogue to the reader by a trusted coach and mentor. Explanations and illustrations of key concepts are accompanied by pointed questions asking the reader to determine what is important to them in life and challenging them to pursue their dreams. The book provides a bibliography to support readers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of these key leadership concepts.

The Four Vs is an excellent resource for individuals seeking to focus their leadership ability while maintaining work/life balance. It provides competent coaching and counsel on core values and fundamental constructs for decision making and professional development. The book only provides the framework; everything else must be supplied by the reader and requires diligence and hard work to achieve success. Success in this context is making a difference by adding value at work and in one's personal life. “Be ready to be challenged and surprised”.