The Importance of Values as a Leader: Developing Your Leadership Compass to Stay Directionally Correct
Being a leader is like sailing a ship through unknown waters. In order to stay directionally correct, you need a compass.
The most effective compass is your values because they always point towards what’s right.
Many leaders fall into the trap of leading from the head, relying solely on what they think they should do based on external expectations or previous encounters with certain leadership styles. This approach often neglects the importance of leading from the heart – that is, leading with authenticity, empathy, and a genuine connection to your values and purpose.
Leading from the head can result in a disconnect between the leader and their team, as it focuses more on fulfilling perceived obligations rather than fostering meaningful relationships and inspiring others through shared values and vision. It can lead to a transactional approach to leadership, where decisions are made based on logic or hierarchy rather than considering the human aspect and the impact on individuals.
Instead, leaders should strive to lead from the heart – to lead with authenticity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to their values and the wellbeing of their team. Leading from the heart also involves being true to oneself and one's values, even if it means challenging the status quo or going against the grain. It requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to lead with integrity and authenticity, even in the face of adversity.
But staying true to your values isn't always easy. It takes self-awareness and honesty to make sure your actions match your beliefs.
Emma’ Story: A Case Study in Values-Centred Leadership
“The right decisions are never the easiest decisions”.
Meet Emma, a practice owner with four vets, four nurses, and several receptionists. Emma’s leadership style is characterised by her strong values of loyalty and consistency, which she believes are integral to building trust and maintaining strong relationships, both within her team and with clients.
But Emma faced a challenging situation with one of her vets, a vet who was skilled and performed well at work, but there were inconsistencies. This vet often failed to follow through on commitments, arrived late for consultations, and displayed a lack of accountability in her interactions with both the team and clients. These behaviours were enough to erode trust among the team and with clients.
During a coaching session, Emma grappled with the decision to address the situation. Despite the vet's professional competence, Emma acknowledged the detrimental impact of her behaviour on team morale and the client experience. Emma's strong values compelled her to prioritise the wellbeing of her team and the practice's reputation.
Navigating this tough decision was uncomfortable, especially during a recruitment crisis. Emma wrestled with doubts about the severity of the issue and the potential consequences of letting go of an experienced vet.
However, Emma's commitment to her values and her team's trust in her leadership guided her in making the difficult decision to part ways with the vet. Following recommended HR protocols, Emma discussed the decision with the vet, reaffirming her commitment to maintaining a values-driven workplace culture.
Closing Question
In your leadership journey, where are you compromising your values? Reflect on Emma's story and consider how you can navigate challenges with integrity and authenticity to stay true to your core values.
