Leadership and Values
Why You Should Know Your Values As A Leader
Your values as a leader go beyond more than simply affecting you and your life. Your values can impact your company culture and those whom you’re leading and it’s equally as important to ensure you’re aligned with a company culture that ties into your values.
Why are our values so important?
Our values act as inner compasses and guides. Reflection and clarity on your values can show you the path forward when you’re stuck, and help you to know which choice is right for you when you’re facing indecision.
A value you hold is a representation of what’s most important to you in your life.
And as a leader, your values can impact those around you and the culture of the organization as a whole.
Values inform your thoughts, your actions, your words, and decisions.
Your team and company have to make choices every day, they need regular guidance in moving forward, and a sense of purpose when it comes to achieving growth.
Leadership and a strong definition and understanding of values go hand in hand.
How to know your values as a leader
Where do you begin when you’re discovering what your values are?
There are all sorts of tests out there that can help you identify your values using a list of words that you narrow down. But I think a great place to start is to ask yourself some questions:
Who or what matters most to you in life?
What did you do over the past year that energized you and made you feel alive?
What did you accomplish over the past year that you felt proud of?
What do you want your friends and family to say about you when you’re gone?
What do you want to achieve before you come to the end of your life?
As a starting point, these reflections can help you start understanding what matters to you most as an individual.
When it comes to the values of your organization, consider questions such as:
Who and what matters most to the success of your organization?
What milestones did you hit over the past year that showed growth?
What do you want your customers, employees, and clients to say and feel about your organization?
What is the mission of your company? What do you want to achieve through the work you do?
Creating these values on an organizational level will help steer your company in how they show up in the world.
For example, if your company values are: teamwork, customer service, enthusiasm, and family - your company culture will be one that is reflective of these. It might be the grounds for an environment that fosters cooperation and groupthink, always puts the commitment to the customer first, is an exciting place to work, and encourages time off to focus on life outside of work.
Knowing and sharing the values can help employees and team members to feel more connected to their work and aligned in mission and purpose, both with one another and with the company as a whole.
Your values as a leader and an organization are fundamental to your workplace culture.
Equally as important, it’s important for YOU to find a company culture, partnerships, and clients, that tie into your values.
Finding a career and workplace that fits with your personal values will create more meaning and purpose in your own life. It will bring you more enjoyment at work and create more impact through your work.
Think of a time you’ve had a position or job when your “heart just hasn’t been in it”. How was the quality of your work compared to a time when you showed up excited and passionate about where you were working?
As a leader, getting clear on your values is the key to connecting with your team, creating a company and workplace culture, and achieving deeply satisfying growth.
Discovering and getting clear on your values is crucial for establishing the foundation for you and your team to move forward in a positive way.
Looking for someone who can help you to discover what your values are as well as how to apply them to your workplace and the culture you want to align with?
I can help! I’ve trained thousands of student leaders and managers and coached hundreds of executive and senior leaders across industries to become excellent and exceptional leaders.
I’d love to invite you to book a Discovery Call with me HERE!
My strategic advice and encouragement have helped my clients achieve their goals and make important improvements.
