Are you a Thermostat or Thermometer as a Leader?

 1.) How does this image relate to modeling the way? Please provide an example. 

I think it can connect to modeling the way simply through how we as leaders evaluate the situations we are given. Not all settings will be the same everyday. So you could very well say being a leader is like being a thermostat or a thermometer in a fluctuating hot and cold room. Using the idea of "Forge unity, don't force it", from Modeling the way, it's important to note that while being the thermostat, a leader cannot let their peers over heat in a hot room simply because it is the 'usual' climate or 'mood' of that setting. Likewise, a thermometer cannot force cold air on their freezing peers simply because they are hot and they are in charge.

2.) Most people say they own a set of values, but many don't live by the values they claim. Why do you think there may be a gap between what we say and what we do? Why should you try to avoid hypocrisy as a leader?

Hypocrisy as humans is a very common attribute we all fall into at some point. I think the main reason many fall into it even after expressing their utter distaste for the very thing they are doing that very moment is one of two things. Either this person said they didn't like this trait/behavior but what they meant to say is, "I don't like when OTHERS do it to me." So they don't mind nor bother themselves to see what they are doing. The second possibility, some people just don't catch it, it's easy to trip up and not be able to rectify yourself. For leaders it's extremely important to try our best to not fall to either categories. We have to catch our slip ups, fix them and make a better example, because there are always others watching.

3.) What does it take to live by a set of values?

To live by your personal values as a leader it takes restraint and major reflection daily. For anyone who tries to live by their values and avoid their vices, they have to stop and think clearly about everything they say and do, and it takes an abundance of effort but it pays off in the end regardless if you consider yourself a leader or not, everyone wants to make themselves feel good about the things they do. So valuing your own values disregarding who notices it is important not only to others but more importantly, to yourself.

4.) Think back to a time when you worked with a teacher or leader of organization who was a thermometer. How did they set the temperature for the direction of the group? Were they successful or unsuccessful?

My theater teacher set many of the temperatures for our group in a positive mood. It was successful majority of the time, as yes there were some off days. But out group being a acting group, most of our meet ups' we had certain goals to accomplish and that 'temperature' of ' You guys can do it!' and "It's okay! We got this!" was always welcome and helpful.

5.) How have you tried to become a "thermostat"? How do you add value to others?

I personally believe I am much more a thermometer than a thermostat. Which in some situations is not the best. I've tried to become more of a thermostat by taking a step back and letting others emotions lead the way. What I mean by that is, to not force a good feeling, if there is a certain mood, I should do my best to add positivity to the situation but overly doing it and not allowing room for negativity can come across as excluding and hurtful to those peers. So personally I've tried my best to be more receiving to other 'temperatures' of the situations I'm in and help them rather than completely change them.