THE 4 V'S OF LEADERSHIP: VISION, VALUES, VALUE-ADDED AND VITALITY

By PETER SHAW (CAPSTONE, 2006)

UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP AND TEAM BUILDING ARE ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES FOR ALL OF US INVOLVED IN THE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SECTORS OF ENTERPRISE.

Recommended leadership reading includes the most important management writers of our time: Peter Drucker, Ken Blanchard, Charles Handy, Peter Senge, John Maxwell and John Adair. Peter Shaw's name should now be added to our list. This is his latest book on leadership.

Focussing on the 4 Vs of Vision, Values, Value-added and Vitality can be a very powerful way of reshaping priorities. The 4Vs have resonated with leaders in very different worlds because they are easy to remember, they are dynamic, they link together personal and organisational priorities, they are relevant at any age or stage in a career and they provide a framework for making major decisions about priorities.

Peter's thesis is that to move forward in any area of our lives depends on linking together vision, values, value-added and vitality. In the book he addresses the following type of questions:

Vision - Are we clear who we want to become? What is the essential Wendy-ness, Mark- ness or Mohammed-ness? What is the coherence of our vision of ourselves that brings together our work, community and home personalities into one coherent person?

Values - What are the values that drive us? Do we understand where they came from and how they are changing? How can we harness our values to help our own fulfilment and the wellbeing of those around us? How do we ensure our values are our biggest asset and not our worst liability?

Value-Added - What are our strengths? How can we develop them and use them to the best effect? What are we less good at? How can we develop skills in those areas? How can we become more confident in adding value in a wider range of different situations? How can we add value in all our interactions with different people so that they are enlightened and encouraged?

Vitality - What is at the heart of what gives us energy? Can we grow that source of energy? Can we take it into different areas of our lives? What is the interlink between what gives us energy at home and in the community? How can those sources of energy flow back into our work situations? What part does stillness play in nurturing our sources of energy?

In the concluding chapters he encourages the reader to take forward their conclusions through a balance of courage and calmness, through a careful reflection of what is success and through reflection about next steps.

In his forward David Normington, the Permanent Secretary at the Home Office, says that the book, "will bring wisdom and stimulation to people at all stages of their lives and careers: to those who are moving up or moving on at work or are seeking new challenges in their personal lives, or are looking for new sources of ideas and energy".

I bring this to your attention if you would be interested in reading a copy of the book which is available in major bookshops and through Amazon. The book retails at £14.99. I understand that Amazon are selling it at a promotional price of £9.89.

If you would like to discuss any of these four themes with me I would be delighted to do so.