In a recent interview, I was asked, “What does it take to be a Waymaker?” My response was as it’s always been: “All you really need to be a Waymaker is an internal desire to use your power, position, and talent to leave the world and the people in it better than you found them.” It’s that simple.

Waymaking is a calling—beyond corporate objectives, beyond individual goals and desires—to build environments where every one can thrive. As with any calling, there are principles that help guide both the work and the people doing the work. And these principles are unchanging. CEOs and board members may come and go. Presidents and cabinets may change. But the 5 Waymaker Principles are steadfast.

Empathy
Waymakers care about and are sensitive to the lived experiences of others. 
Empathy is foundational to leading inclusively.  While there are multiple factors that influence empathy, such as genetics, neurodevelopment, and temperament, empathy can be developed. Cultivating curiosity. Stepping outside our comfort zones to get to know someone unlike you. Admitting and examining your biases. Having difficult, yet respectful conversations with others—to learn and understand, not judge. These efforts can help build empathy. Waymakers understand that empathy is a window into the lived experiences of others, making us more committed, more intentional, and more urgent in our efforts to ensure every one in our organizations has equal access to opportunities.

Fairness
Waymakers are free from prejudice in our choices and behaviors. 
Waymakers realize we are all operating in a construct that has never been fair. And, as such, fairness is not a state we can return to, but one we must create anew. Waymakers learn to be more objective, more fair in how they lead by challenging their assumptions and the assumptions of others. They recognize and rectify their biases. They focus on the Four Talent Needs—to be seen, to be respected, to be valued, to be protected—and thoughtful ways to meet those needs for each of the unique humans in their professional care.

Courage
Waymakers do the right thing—even and especially—when it’s hard or inconvenient. 
Many leaders try to make everyone happy or at least not make anyone mad. Waymakers understand that you cannot be transformational and universally liked at the same time. That true change always leaves something or someone behind. They know that some people do not want diversity or equity, and the very idea of disrupting a status quo that works for them is blasphemy. Those folks may never think or feel differently and Waymakers are okay with that.  Waymakers connect with likeminded leaders and build a “coalition of the willing” who are undeterred by opposition. Waymakers forge ahead anyway, doing the necessary work to create an equitable culture for every one.

Ownership 
Waymakers own and carry out our leadership responsibilities. 
Waymakers understand that diversity leaders, employee resource groups, even DEI consultants are there to uncover opportunities to improve, to help frame strategic choices, and to facilitate progress. They know the real ownership lies with them—that THEY are the change they seek. Waymakers at all levels own culture change the way CEOs own customer success or profitable revenue or quality—mindfully and mercilessly. With no excuses.

Integrity
Waymakers do what we say we will do so we can be who we say we are. 
Integrity matters in this work. We should only promise what we are willing and able to deliver. And when we make promises, we must keep them. We compromise our credibility when we make commitments to employees and communities and do not honor them. In the reverse, Waymakers know that we expand our legacy when we determine that we will be better than we have been and do more than we have done and then do it.

Empathy, fairness, courage, ownership, integrity. These are the principles that guide the work and behaviors of Waymakers and they always will. When faced with a tough talent decision or an opportunity to elevate talent, ask yourself if you’re being empathetic, fair, and courageous. Ensure you’re owning your leadership responsibility and acting with integrity. Making these principles a part of your every day isn’t always easy, but it is simple. Post them where you and others can see them to help hold yourself accountable. You will find that the journey becomes more natural, more impactful the more you check your actions against these principles and the more people know you for consistently living them.

For tools to help you live out the Waymaker Principles every day, for every one, please visit The Waymakers Shop.