Page 149 - The extraordinary leader

126 • The Extraordinary Leader

looking for different or unique learning opportunities. There is typically a
strong value for innovation. People are constantly collecting feedback and
looking for a better understanding of what happened and why.

Advantages. In this type of organization, it is permissible to make mistakes,
but it is not okay if you don’t learn from your mistakes. People are strongly
focused on self-development and personal improvement. This organization
gives people homework, and it is important to get your homework done.
Disadvantages. The cost of development can be expensive, and employees
typically expect regular and consistent development opportunities. These
organizations can be a bit disorderly because people are always reinventing
the wheel. If you have difficulty accepting new ideas and changing, this may
not be a good organizational choice.

The High-Integrity Organization

Doing the right thing is valued by leaders in high-integrity organizations.
There is a very strong emphasis on honesty and ethical behavior. Many vol-
untary organizations focused on noble causes have this strength. People have
strong desires to promote the cause of the organization, and typically there is
a high level of congruence among organizational members about what is
appropriate and what is not.
Advantages. Integrity is a strong vocal value and is encouraged at all levels
of the organization. Success is measured not only by getting results but also
by how you went about getting them.
Disadvantages. It is tough to practice what you preach. Saying it and doing it
are two different things. Some organizations set the bar so high that most leaders
are viewed as hypocrites when they withhold information or change direction.
Some organizations get too zealous about promoting their version of the “right
thing.” This organization enforces compliance from people to follow the leader.
Make sure before joining an organization that is focused on doing the right
thing that their belief about what is right squares closely with your belief.

The Fair Organization

One of the most frequent complaints coming out of organizations is that
promotions and advancements are biased. Whether it is a “good old boy”