What Values are You Reflecting in Your Leadership?

What Core Values are You Reflecting in Your Leadership?

Core values are the foundation of our beliefs, shaping our behavior and attitude. It’s important to understand the significant role core values play in our everyday life, certainly when we are leading others. Our value system guides us in our decision-making. I’m pretty sure at some point in your life, you were reminded by someone that your choices (decisions) impact not only you but those around you. I believe that when you know what you stand for (your non-negotiables), you’re more confident in your decision-making and in sharing your opinion.  

We’re All Leading Someone

I serve as a leader in various roles, including mentoring, serving on boards, and being a wife, mom, daughter, aunt, and blogger. We’re all leading in one role or another. In my experience as a leader, I’ve encountered situations where my decisions were not always embraced, and I believe this is due to my values not aligning with those of the person or organization. Popular or not, my choices are mine to make, and it’s not always easy to make decisions when your values do not align with those around you. In fact, it can be quite uncomfortable.

Are you currently serving on a committee or in a position where your values do not align with the organization’s core values? It’s not easy to walk away or say no to great opportunities, but if the institution or group does not align with your value system, you are opening the door for chaos to enter your life. The imbalance can create a struggle between who you are and what you stand for, and what is expected of you. This disparity sends a mixed message to those around you, potentially causing your followers and team members to run in the opposite direction.

It’s essential to your success as a leader to identify your core values and use them to guide your decisions.  And it’s also a benefit when you are known for your strong values, since they are our guiding principles.

What’s Your Moral Fiber Content?

Some people refer to a leader’s core values as their moral fiber or strength of character. Do you know what your moral fiber consists of? What are some of the traits that, once woven together, create your moral fiber? How would your followers describe your values?

We are all influencers in some form – whether you’re a big sister, a mentor, a supervisor, a chair of a committee, or a mom – someone is looking up to you. What do they see? What are your core values reflecting? I’ve compiled a list of the top core values that followers look for in leaders and the values leaders should exemplify. The list is not exhaustive, but through my research, I’ve listed the top 15 core values significant to a leader’s success. How many are you reflecting in your leadership?

Top 15 Core Values for Leaders

Take a moment to circle the core values important to you. Once you have identified the core values from the list, narrow it down to five. If you’re having difficulty narrowing down the list, write out why the core value you chose is important to you or support your choice with Scripture (one of my favorite methods). For example, one of my core values is Encouragement. My reason is that I love to encourage others and to build them up, supporting them in their journey, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV), “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Don’t rush through the process. Take time to reflect and refine your core values. My core values serve as my compass, guiding me on the right path. I refer to them daily. It was quite a process of refining my core values. To support you on your journey, I’m developing a series of courses designed to help you discover your values and build a life of purpose. I’m hoping to launch the courses next month (along with my new website). It’s definitely been a work in progress, but so am I, and I hope you’ll join me. More to come later, but in the meantime, please keep our little community in your prayers!

Image Credit by Parinaz Wadia Illustration & Design