Understanding and Living your Personal Values

A value is a belief or philosophy that underlies our worldview and the way we treat our family, employees, the community, and the environment.  Values may be deep-seated, such as our view of the importance of empathy and our responsibility in determining right from wrong, or more superficial, such as the value we place on punctuality or ease of use. There are a few value topics listed below.  The relative importance you place on these concepts influences your behavior as a manager and leader.

This list is much longer than the examples, but from it, you can gain the idea that personal values drive your actions and decisions.  As a leader, you should act in concert with your values.  However, be aware that others, including your employees, will view your actions through the filter of their own values.  Therefore, while you may believe that you are being assertive in stating your point of view, others may see your behavior as aggressive and pushy. You may believe you are being tolerant and open-minded, whereas others think you are being indecisive.

It is important, in some cases, that your underlying values be understood by your employees because your personal values also reflect on the organization’s values.  You can accomplish some consonance by providing an explanation of your recommendations and decisions, which are founded on your personal values.  You should also solicit feedback, formal and informal, which will indicate when your personal values are perhaps being misperceived.values-topics

Tip
Your values are highly visible to you but totally invisible to others. Employees decipher your values from your daily behaviors. To make a giant leap in leadership, begin to think about how others interpret or misinterpret your behaviors.

 

Also See

What are your core values and are you using them to improve the quality of your life and your work? Part of discovering what values exist at your core is looking back at the failures and triumphs of life to improve and ensure a successful future.

James Franklin is approaching his second season as the head coach of Penn State’s Football program. Franklin was named the 16th head football coach in the storied 127-year history of the Nittany Lion program on January 11, 2014. A two-time All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) quarterback at East Stroudsburg University, Franklin has demonstrated the ability to recruit, teach and motivate talented student-athletes throughout his coaching tenure. Franklin graduated from East Stroudsburg in 1995 with a degree in psychology. He also earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Washington State University.

 

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