The 4 Cornerstones of Leadership
Developed over decades of research and coaching, the Four Cornerstones of Leadership offer a proven way to improve executive performance, providing best leadership and collaboration practices for anybody looking to chart a new course.
Want to see how you stack up on the Saturn Leadership™ Index?
Four Cornerstones of Leadership
Communication, Conflict & Problem Solving (includes Speaking, Listening, Facilitating)
1.
2.
Inspiration & Alignment
Decision-Making & Planning
3.
4.
Delegation & Accountability (includes Supporting)
Leadership Micro-Behaviors Inspires and aligns the team and investors with a Compelling Vision and a Clear Roadmap.
1. Inspiration & Alignment:
1. 1
Embodies and shares a compelling vision of the future. (Podcast)
Communicates and breaks down the vision so that people see how they fit in. (Podcast)
1.2
Establishes clear roadmaps that define the milestones & short-term future. (Podcast)
1.3
Establishes clear priorities so that people know what to work on. (Podcast)
1.4
1.5
Works across all parts of the company to align the roadmap and get buy-in from the leadership team and the board.
1.6
Has a clear funding and exit strategy and aligns the roadmap to optimize for the most likely outcomes.
1.7
Renegotiates priorities with others when things change. Does not pile on new objectives without reprioritizing old ones. (Podcast)
Establishes key metrics and indicators to stay on track. (Podcast)
1.8
2. Communication, Conflict & Problem Solving:
Facilitates discussions and debates with Curiosity, Authenticity, and Focus.
Speaks with Transparency & Authenticity
2. 1
Clearly expresses where they stand on issues. (Podcast)
Shares their opinions and concerns, even if unpopular or lacking certainty. (Podcast)
2.2
Owns their opinions as opinions. Does not position their opinions as facts to prove their point. (Podcast)
2.3
Addresses challenging issues promptly. Names the elephant in the room. (Podcast)
2.4
Gives honest feedback. Shares their perspective when they are dissatisfied with people’s work. (Podcast)
2.5
Cleans up issues with others. Does not harbor resentment. (Podcast)
2.6
Listens with Openness & Curiosity
2. 7
Brings curiosity and willingness to be influenced. (Podcast)
Approachable and open to critical feedback on their ideas, decisions and leadership style. Willing to learn from mistakes. (Podcast)
2.8
Digs for others’ underlying interests and concerns. (Podcast)
2.9
Listens to ideas fairly, regardless of who is presenting them. (Podcast)
2.10
Empathizes with others and notices people’s emotions. (Podcast)
2.11
Listens in a way that people feel heard. (Podcast)
2.12
2. 13
Leads effective meetings. Clarifies the objectives and avoids unnecessary rabbit holes. (Podcast)
Stays present and avoids cell phone and computer distractions. (Podcast)
2.14
Embraces creative conflict. Does not shy away from passionate debate. (Podcast)
2.15
Draws the quiet people out. (Podcast)
2.16
Brainstorms with others to generate creative solutions. (Podcast)
2.17
Has sufficient understanding of an issue and others’ opinions before advocating for a specific solution. (Podcast)
2.18
3. Decision Making & Planning:
Includes the right people in decision-making. (Podcast)
3. 1
Considers others’ opinions and concerns before deciding. Respects people’s roles and expertise. (Podcast)
3.2
Has a bias for action. Willing to try out ideas and see what is learned, eg. rapid prototyping. (Podcast)
3.3
Makes good and timely decisions. Takes appropriate risks even if all the information is not available. (Podcast)
3.4
Is clear when a decision is made and ensures full group alignment. Even if some people would have made a different decision, they “disagree and commit.” (Podcast)
3.5
Establishes clear next steps. (Podcast)
3.6
Proactively informs people who are impacted by decisions. (Podcast)
3.7
Defines roles, creates accountability teams, drives ownership and supports others in succeeding. (Best Practices)
4. Delegation & Accountability:
Delegates Effectively & Creates Accountable Teams
4. 1
Ensures commitments are clear, realistic, and agreed upon (who is doing what by when). (Podcast)
Does what they say they will do. Follows up. (Podcast)
4.2
Tracks progress on commitments and ensures completion. (Podcast)
4.3
4.4
Renegotiates when commitments are in jeopardy. Avoids surprising others with bad news or last-minute delays. (Podcast)
Holds people accountable. When commitments are missed, discusses what went wrong and gets a new commitment. (Best Practices, Podcast)
4.5
4.6
4.7
Allows people to fulfill their roles and make decisions without micromanaging them. (Podcast)
When tasks are completed, gives helpful feedback (both positive and negative). (Best Practices, Podcast)
Ensures the right person is in the role, moving or letting people go when it’s the wrong fit. (Podcast)
Supports Others in Developing and Succeeding
4.8
4.9
Motivates people to bring their best and strive for excellence. (Podcast)
Offers frequent and genuine appreciation for people’s contributions. (Podcast)
4.10
When people are failing, offers support and resources (instead of beating them up). (Podcast)
4.11
Debriefs issues. Assumes positive intent and helps others learn from mistakes. (Podcast)
4.12
Coaches, challenges and supports people to develop their skills and careers. (Podcast)
4.13
Leads effective 1-on-1’s. (Podcast)
4.14
Does not talk negatively behind people’s backs (no triangulation). When they have an issue, they speak directly to the person. (Podcast)
4.15
Admits when they made a mistake or were not accurate.
3.7
Builds a diverse team that can accomplish the goals of their function.
6.3
Proactively seeks support from others when needed.
Cultivates an inclusive team environment where every team member can speak up and fully contribute.
6.9
7.8