With all that’s been written over the past several years about the qualities and impact of leadership, one would think that we would have all the answers by now. So what’s up?
Here’s what I think: We lost the basics. We lost our values – the core of how we believe – the guide for our actions. Can you actually list the four or five core values that you hold near and dear, not only for yourself but for the business? Do you use these values as a foundation for your decisions?
Your employees are watching you. What are you telling through your actions?
Leaders must ensure they are leading from their values – that they have strong convictions for themselves and for their business and employees – that they have a foundation for their decisions and behaviors toward others.
Leaders must fully identify and define their values in terms of behaviors. For example, “We will respect one another”. Therefore, one behavior might be to communicate with honest intentions, seeking to understand, listen and care about the other person’s opinion.
It’s not easy to be a value-directed leader . . . but it works! It does not give instant gratification. It’s a long-term investment. True leaders do not just read about leadership; they actually put the principles into action. Here’s what I’d like to see return to the world of business.
- Honesty and trustworthiness
- Taking time with others to talk about vision
- True collaboration – using the imaginations and creativity of those around us every day
- Listen – hear the words, and understand the feelings behind the words
- Value one another – make everyone a hero
Businesses that are going to survive must have solid values and leaders that are willing to lead the charge. Let our team of HR Consultants help you become the best leader you can be!
Submitted by Sandy Ringer, PHR; Vice President of IntegrityHR, Inc.
