Tweet

Do Your Values Drive or Derail Leadership? Part 2

Guest post by: Kerri Salls

Article Overview: Our values affect the way we conduct business too. For example, a leader who grew up during the depression and values security will make low-risk investments whereas someone a bit younger may be less risk-averse. One business owner may value being debt-free while another business owner may believe debt is a necessity for growth.

Do Your Values Drive or Derail Leadership? Part 2

Our values affect the way we conduct business too. For example, a leader who grew up during the depression and values security will make low-risk investments whereas someone a bit younger may be less risk-averse. One business owner may value being debt-free while another business owner may believe debt is a necessity for growth.

When team members have the same values as their leader, everyone benefits. Team members experience greater job satisfaction and are more loyal to the business or company. Tension and stress are reduced for both leaders and team members. When team members are clear about their leader’s values and know what is expected of them, they are better able to handle conflicts effectively.

To instill your values in your team members, make sure the team knows your values. Don’t assume. Talk about your values whenever possible. When making decisions, explain how your values affect the decision you are making. Show that you are proud of your values.

Most importantly, demonstrate your values whenever possible. Your values are reflected in your opinions, attitudes, preferences, desires, actions and strategies. In fact, everything you say and do reveals your values and your commitment to those values. The messages you send to your team through your words and actions should be consistent, so be sure your actions reflect the values you say you have.

Remember, actions speak louder than words. Team members will pay more attention to what you do than to what you say. If there are discrepancies between your words and your actions, you lose credibility.

Some more examples: Suppose the owner of a manufacturing company promotes quality products as one of the company values. Yet when the quality control manager wants to implement some changes that would increase both quality and customer satisfaction at a small incremental cost, the owner refuses to approve them saying the changes would cut into profits. What message does that decision send not just to the manager but the entire Quality Control Department?

Suppose a company promoted service to customers, honesty and integrity as corporate values in all its operations. Yet the company recognizes and rewards an employee for selling a client a high-priced product which is not designed to meet that client’s needs. What messages does that action send to all the employees about the importance of honesty, integrity and customer service?

If you look around, the more successful leaders in every arena are those who continually develop and adhere to a set of values that evolve from what they personally believe is right and wrong. Consistently acting in keeping with your values will earn you the respect of your team and inspire them to adopt your values as their own. Your values then become a compass to help you always make the right decisions in leading your business every day.

Related Articles
  The impact of thought leadership on your employees
  Developing Your Leadership Skills
  Thought leadership must tell a genuine story
  Top Ten Ways to Design Your Destiny
  The Role of Core Values in Business Strategy, Leadership and Success
  A New Measurement of Leadership Success
  Thought leadership is a culture not a tactic
  Your Brand of Leadership
  Discovering and Living by Your Core Values
  Five Undeniable Laws of Leadership
  Leadership in small to mid size companies: its important to do it consciously!
  INVENTORIES CAN BE MANAGE BUT PEOPLE SHOULD BE LEAD.
  Learn how leadership can change your life
  Be a Leader not a Seagul
  Learn how leadership affects your life and moves you closer to your goals
  Business Ethics and Values Do Not Have Expiration Dates
  Leadership Responsibility
  Are You Living Your True Self
  Its All About Values
  What Is The Meaning Of Leadership?

Article Tags: decisionmaking, decisions, leadership, values



Related Forum Posts
Re: Essential Leadership skills - Vision Values Mission Strategic Thinking Decision Making Communication Team Bonding People Development Coaching / Mentoring / Guiding / Grooming Presentation Thanks Robert
Re: Business Women Peer Mentoring Spotlight - Hi Everyone, Gosh, I REALLY appreciate your concrete feedback. This was far more than I expected and I'm glad you said what you thought straight out. Each of you have shared something of value and I want to take some more time to think and really go over what each of you have said. However, I can see there are some things I need to change right away. What an interesting point about a NEW program perhaps making people think they are guinea pigs! This is NOT what I want to convey! It's funny how we can see some things so clearly in others while not always seeing it for ourselves! I must admit there are a few things I've been meaning to change (like my bio which is very outdated). Obviously, these things need to be higher on my priority list. You caught me like the plumber who puts his clients first and doesn't get around to fixing his own tap! As far as my target market, I do feel quite strongly about working with Women Leaders and doing Leadership Coaching with them. It's non-negotiable in my books. In my Executive Coaching training, the terms "Leaders" and "Executives" are interchangable. To me, an Executive is a Leader and so is the Business Woman or Entrepreneur who is CEO of her own business. I love working with decision makers! What I did learn is that I need to avoid opening up the Leadership term beyond what I described above. I'm also wondering if there is a misunderstanding with the general public as to what Leadership Coaching really is. Leadership Coaching is all about developing your leadership skills, both as a people manager and in more effectively running and growing the business. There is ALWAYS room for growth in some way. As well, sometimes, we just need a sounding board to clarify what our next BEST step is. In fact, if a woman thinks she has nothing to work on, then we aren't a good Client/Coach fit anyway. How can she grow if she doesn't see the value of expressing ALL of the great ability within her? How can her company grow if she doesn't see the value of strategic planning for the next best level? Thanks again to you all! I will go back to my website and really question whether I am conveying the right message. I got more than I bargained for in this Spotlight... you generously offered way more than I was asking. I think we could be on to something great for the Forum. Now it's time to let someone else have the spotlight. It would be great if everyone took a turn! In gratitude, Tami
Patent information - I'm also interested in Part 2. Thanks.
Re: 3 Ways I Used Twitter To Grow My Business This Week - Hi Olivia, It seems you are working in the area of leadership area. Is Leadership = Learning? I am looking for some good books on strategy? Which one do you recommend? Thanks, Robert
Patent Process - Interesting to hear your experiences with the patent process - what's Part 2?


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Tips to Take Control of Credit Card Debt

How to Ask for a Flexible Work Arrangement

Are You Reaching Out?

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.