Leadership Tip

How to identify your core values

Those who know me know that values - particularly integrity - matter to me. Not as slogans, but as decision-making tools. When leadership gets difficult, and there’s no clear rulebook, your values are what guide your judgment and protect your credibility. In my experience, most leadership failures don’t come from a lack of ability, but from uncertainty about what really matters. To identify your core values, try this:

  • Track your energy. When do you feel most engaged and purposeful, especially outside formal roles?
     
  • Revisit your best work. Which environments brought out your strongest performance, and what values were honoured there?
     
  • Notice what people seek from you. Patterns in the advice others ask for often point to your deeper principles.
     
  • Identify your deal-breakers. Frustration and disengagement usually signal a value being compromised.
     
  • Think about legacy. How do you want to be remembered by those who know you best?

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please contact us.


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