Values for Managers

Leadership is a practical skill that involves the guidance and coaching of others, such as teammates or employees. They set directions, build or cultivate visions and create new ideas altogether. Examples of leaders include Politicians, Executives, Managers and Business owners.

Leadership revolves around the planning and strategizing of ways in which you, your team and your company exceed expectations. Being a leader is a dynamic position filled with decisions that determine the type of person you are. Being a great leader involves adhering to a set of values you believe in.

Value defines the level of importance placed on an item or action when determining the best choice. Values are fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate actions by determining what is most important.

Values specify the relationship between people and their goals. What one person chooses as an important value in their leadership, others choose something more specific to themselves. The values they choose have a significant impact on their leadership. For example, a leader who values honesty might report wrongdoing by one of their team members. Another leader who prefers loyalty might prefer to remain silent in this same situation.

If, as a manager, you are in touch with your own values about what is important and why, you can make more informed choices about what you do in the workplace and how you do it and also what you won’t or can’t do.

This will give you more sense of personal control and will directly impact the way you are perceived by others. Your behaviour will be contributing to the style and culture of the organisation and how others in turn behave.

Articulating what is important to you and why, combined with knowing what is important to your team members, will give you more options about how to keep yourself and those who work with you engaged and motivated.

Your reputation as a manager, and that of your organisation, will depend on the way people your Board, executive leaders, employees and customers alike see you. If your management style motivates groups of people to do their jobs consistently well, then your pivotal role in the success of the team and the organisation will be seen.

Components:

Respect

Respect or esteem is a positive feeling or action shown toward a person or item of importance. Leaders demonstrate respect through both self-respect and the respect of others, regardless of differences or experiences. Respecting an individual involves treating them with compassion and the ability to earn others’ respect.

Authenticity

The concept of authenticity relates to your presence, living with conviction and staying true to yourself. Leaders demonstrate authenticity through consistency and congruency within their beliefs and actions. They integrate principles within the workplace that create purpose and contribute to others’ growth.

Service

The concept of service relates to the intent of supporting others beyond one’s self. Leaders demonstrate service through a steady commitment that stretches beyond their self-interest. Service-oriented leaders have a degree of personal humility that helps them work for a greater cause.

Wisdom

Wisdom is a quality that comes with experience, knowledge and good judgment. Individuals acquire wisdom over time throughout their life. Leaders demonstrate wisdom through a broad understanding of interpersonal dynamics and how individuals work together. It’s the ability to balance the interest of multiple individuals when making decisions. Wise leaders consider long-term perspectives when deciding between courses of action.

Transparency

Transparency is the ability to communicate information to all affected individuals and being honest in every situation. Leaders demonstrate transparency by discussing imminent changes with their employees or team members and ensuring their opinions find value within the organization.

Innovation

Innovation is the act of consistently introducing new ideas and methodologies. Leaders demonstrate innovation through both imagination and communication. Not only do they come up with new and unique ideas that benefit the business, but they also listen to and account for the ideas of other team members.

Integrity

Integrity is the practice of honesty and consistency in strong moral principles. Leaders demonstrate integrity through ethical strength and overall trustworthiness. Showing integrity involves keeping promises and fulfilling expectations.

Courage

Courage is either the choice or willingness to confront something perceived greater than the self. Leaders demonstrate courage by having and showing the strength required to act on behalf of a common good. They take a stand when necessary and act boldly in the service of justice.

Humility

Humility is a modest view of one’s self-importance. Leaders demonstrate humility through dignity and an awareness of their limitations. They’re open to other team member’s perspectives on certain situations that arise within the workplace.

Confidence

Confidence is the feeling or belief that an individual has when they have faith in an individual or idea. Leaders demonstrate confidence through a high degree of emotional intelligence, being open to others’ ideas and speaking clearly and effectively.

Empathy

Empathy is the ability to identify and understand how another individual feels. Leaders demonstrate empathy through listening to the needs of their employees or team members. They’re open to different perspectives and do their best to accommodate everyone as best as possible.

Trust

Trust is the firm belief in the reliability of an individual, object or idea. Leaders demonstrate trust by showing support for their employees or team members. They let them complete tasks on their own without direct supervision or oversight. Trustworthy leaders also show respect to each team member’s ideas and opinions.