How to lead with values

I talk about values (a lot).

So it’s worth explaining what I mean and why they are key to inspiring leadership.

Now, the word ‘value’ may spark a few ideas in your mind:

• A way to measure worth (money, job title, impact, etc.)

• Things that matter to you (family, friends, health, etc.)

• Algebra (quadratic formula anyone?!? #nerdjokes)

The values that I refer to are even more central to who you are.

Read on to learn what I mean, and why I’m obsessed with them…

Est. read time: < 3.5 minutes

What are Core Values?

Your core values are your principles.

They’re the intrinsic motivations that drive you.

They’re the traits that make you feel most you.

Everyone has values (whether they name them or not).

You know that uncomfortable, kinda tense pit you get in your stomach (or head) when you do something that just doesn’t feel right?

Yeah, those are your values trying to talk to you (formally known as cognitive dissonance).

Your values represent:

• Who you aspire to be: Your most authentic self - the type of person you want to be known as
  

• How you aspire to lead: The way you want to achieve your goals (so that you feel good about it)

When you sacrifice values for a quick-win or to impress someone, a little part of you dies inside.

😂 I’m joking, it’s not that dramatic!

But it is confusing - for you and the people around you.

So, please, go identify your values using the exercise in the Dive Deeper section below.

(spoiler alert: it requires a healthy dose of self-reflection)

For now, let’s talk about what you can do with them once you’ve named them:

3 Powerful Ways to Use Values as a Leader:

Build Trust, Guide Actions, and Make Decisions

#1: Build trust (the cornerstone of high-performing teams)

Hear me loud & clear: your goal is not to impose your values on others.

Your goal is to empower your team and act with consistency.

• Share your values with your team, so they know what to expect from you (no one likes surprises at work).

• Encourage your team to identify their values (bonus points for actually dedicating time to this).

• Help your team connect their values to those of the organization.

#2: Guide your actions (and reactions)

Last week, I had a silly fight with my husband.

It was one of those moments where you have to decide if you want to be ‘right’ or you want to find an amicable resolution.

I took 1 extra second to ask: What does my value of compassion say I should do right now?

Blow-up avoided. Sunday saved.

What would happen if you chose your responses based on your values (instead of reacting based on pure emotion)?

#3: Make difficult decisions (with confidence)

This one goes out to all of you who (deep down) believe you can predict the future.

Data is important.

Determining risks is important.

Diverse perspectives are important.

But at some point, the decision is yours.

When there’s no clear ‘right’ answer, turn to your values to ground you.

That way, you can look back and say: 

I did the best I could with the information that I had, and I know exactly why I made this choice.

I hate to break it to you, but there is no manual for being a great leader.

You have to make your own, authentic rules.

Identify your values to get a big head start.

Want to dive deeper?

• Exercise (~30 min): Values Identification and Reflection

• Article (4 min): The Impact of Living in Line with Your Values

• Article (8 min): Values-Based Leadership in Action

• Article (10+ min): What is Cognitive Dissonance Theory?

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See you next Thursday,

Alex

P.S. If you want more insights like this, follow me on LinkedIn. I write daily on motivation, impact, and joy at work.

P.P.S. If you’re an ambitious manager who wants to become an inspiring leader, book a free 45 min strategy session to learn how 1:1 coaching can help get you there.