Growing up I can recall when my parents would permit me and my siblings to go skating on a Saturday evening. Boy it was a lot of fun, roller skating with friends for hours but when the skating rink closed we had to come straight home. Why, because Sunday morning we had to attend church/worship service. One of my mother’s personal values was faith and since we were under our parent’s roof not attending church on Sundays was not an option. This example points to how personal values lead to every decision one makes. This is no different for leaders. In a Forbes article it states “your leadership effectiveness is not solely determined by your knowledge, experience and leadership skills; rather, it is deeply intertwined with your personal values. These values act as an invisible compass, subtly guiding your decisions, actions, and the culture you create within your team.” What’s powerful in the above statement is that value is an invisible compass that guides decision whether you know it or not. The invisible compass is there conscious or unconscious because you make decisions according to your ingrained and invisible beliefs systems you possess. According to Susan Manning Pardoe “values are our internal compass that steers our decision-making process in life including work, home and relationships.” Therefore, your values within will always steer your decisions. If you wonder how your values come about, I am glad you asked. Your value system was shaped by your upbringing point in case with my faith being at the center and head of my life because of my mother taking me and my siblings to church/worship service every Sunday. As I look back on my life my values have always been the invisible compass guiding me in making decisions. One of my current values is integrity. I believe that my integrity is my word and reputation. In working with clients my integrity guides me in decisions, and my interactions. As a leader you will face various challenges and situations. It will be your personal value system that will guide you in your decisions and how you manage the situation. As a leader please take a moment contemplating on these questions:
What are your personal core values?
Do you lead and live according to your values, if not why not?
Who helped shape your values?
If you need assistance or support as a leader feel free to reach out to E3 Leadership Institute, (www.e3leadershipinstitute.com) we are here to serve you. Inspiring leaders to lead with purpose and passion!