Each leader does things in his or her own way. However, the ones that actually make people respect them are leaders with values. These values are more than value judgments. Here are five basic reasons why your core values will turn you into a better an more reliable leader.
1. Help You Do the Right Thing
Yes, there are times in business when it would be easy to take a shortcut. But leaders with strong core values make decisions they are proud to stand by no matter what.
People will only follow you when they trust you. That trust grows when you have consistent interactions. In the same way, your interactions will only be consistent when you’ve defined your core values. This leads to better teamwork and more positive relationships at work.
2. Set the Tone for Everyone Else
Your actions as a leader create the mood for the team. If you believe in integrity, respect, or collaboration, the team is likely to adopt these values. Your beliefs become an integral part of the work process.
A positive culture does not happen by itself. Dedicated leaders cultivate this culture by adhering to the principle of speaking the right words and acting accordingly. People who feel secure, respected, and believed in working together act differently. This way of working is more resistant than a particular project or campaign.
3. Build Trust You Can Count On
Trust is not a given—it is earned. It can be lost quickly when you make some statement and then act differently. Core values help you remain consistent, which in turn fosters significant trust among your counterparts.
When you are honest upfront and then do as you promised, the team sees it. It does not mean that mistakes are ruled out—it means the matters are done as they are supposed to be done. This kind of leadership creates much stronger teams where individuals dare to assume responsibility for their role.
4. Keep You Steady in Tough Times
Every day is not a success in the business. There are changes in the market, insights, and uncertainty, and the only thing you need to keep yourself on the right path is reliable values. Thus, you do not take hurried decisions to save the day, instead of the one that you believe to be right.
When leaders act in a calm way due to the given reasons, their team also feels more assured. People are unable to follow the person who always changes his or her mind or is interested only in rapid victories.
5. Help You Build for the Long Run
Short-term wins are easy to chase—closing a deal this week, boosting the quarter’s numbers. But leaders think long-term. Yes, of course, you’ll want to win today, but you’ll also want to win two tomorrows from now. And holding that as the priority and the goal requires values.
Whether it’s how you treat people, the choices you make based on what’s right, or how you think about the big picture, values help you make decisions that will lead to long-term success. And that’s what people are going to remember.
Leadership Grounded in Values Lasts
A great leader is not only about knowing what to do but also why you are doing it. You need to stay rooted in your core values, especially when leading gets challenging. The best thing is, you do not have to possess all the answers to be a successful leader. It is enough to follow your values and be honest and kind to people. This is the type of leadership people do not forget.
