My Leadership Oath

I am taking a course offered by Professional Development Academy titled "ICMA High Performance Leadership." As part of this course, I was tasked with writing my own leadership oath. This has taken several drafts, but it is now complete. I am sharing it with my colleagues here and I am going to recite it for my staff on Monday.

Dustin Stambaugh’s Leadership Oath

I pledge to God, my family, my colleagues, and my staff, that I will dedicate my life to the profession of leadership and service to humanity.?

I have chosen the path of servant leadership; to put the needs of my family, my staff, City Council, and constituents above my own.?

I will earn and keep the trust of those I serve; maintaining my integrity and accountability even when individuals are no longer in my purview.

I will praise in public while mentoring and scrutinizing in private; it is an honor to serve those who I am responsible for, and it is my duty to respect them at all times.?

I will foster a positive, collaborative, and empowered culture.

I will report to City Council the performance and risks of the City accurately and honestly.

I will invest in developing myself and others, helping my leaders, family, and staff to continue to advance resulting in a sustainable and inclusive environment.

In exercising my professional duties according to these principles as well as that of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), I recognize that my behavior must set an example of integrity, eliciting trust and esteem from those I serve. I will remain accountable to my peers and to society for my actions and for upholding these standards.

This oath I make freely, and upon my honor.