Consider stereotypical leaders. Some are solely concerned with the bottom line and willing to do whatever it takes to turn a profit, including questionable or illegal actions. They fail to care about who or what gets impacted along the way – whether it be people or things.

Some leaders focus on the bottom line, and their manner is gentler. They are still the boss, profit reigns supreme, and they do their best to stay neutral and avoid controversy.

Then there are the leaders who inspire and lead by example. Values-based leadership requires a combination of ingredients that will cause your success to be realized and from which much profits. Your presence will permeate the air almost without you doing more than show up authentically as a value add to your organization.

The guiding principles of values-based leadership are:

• Lead guided by purpose – the most crucial concept is about how you lead and how that choice speaks to your deeply held values.
• Success is for all with the intension of being contagious – employees will take inspiration from the leader’s actions and want to join in the process.
• People/Job – a values-based leader employs people that are able to follow the same values. In addition, they will ensure that the person is suitable for the job.
• Character Fully Realized – take time to develop your beliefs and values. Ensure you know what you stand for and can articulate that to others.
• Differences Fuel Innovation – recognize that differences encourage growth. When considering suitability, take into account diverse views.

The importance of authenticity lies in the shared beliefs and assumptions about you as a leader, providing greater alignment and benefits for higher productivity within a team or organization. This requires setting expectations for how you lead and what is expected of new hires from the start. You will also want to express your values with everyday folks. I also urge you to circle back periodically to stoke the fire of memory so that teams are routinely reminded of what is core to their success.

Even when you need to communicate that you are limited by what you can share, communicate early and often so that people remain in the know and are not left to stumble in the darkness of the unknown. This is a debilitating experience where forward movement and innovation are key drivers to be respected.

Here are some of the results of being a value-based leader.

• Enhanced decision-making – with clarity, values-based leaders can make decisions that align with the company’s goals while setting an example for their teams to follow. Employees, managers, and leaders work together toward a common goal.
• Improved communication – open lines of communication are strengthened when you have an authentic leader who isn’t afraid of tackling tough subjects. Values-based leadership leads to enduring relationships.
• Increased productivity – when leaders encourage personnel to bring their ideas to the table, those employees tend to be more vested in the company’s success. A shared value system is one way to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Set up individuals for success – a values-based leader develops others and encourages them to move toward common goals.

“Leadership is autobiographical. If I don’t know your life story, I don’t know a thing about you as a leader.” -Noel Tichy

Your Autobiography is your only way to author your own leadership. When you fail to take the initiative to write it, your audience will write it themselves. Most likely, vital facts will be left out, and you will be framed based on someone else’s view of you…unabridged.

This is a lesson learned I share with principals in public school systems across the United States. I implore them to write their own story and share it generously with others as often as necessary to keep the story straight. As simple a question as, Why do you do what you do? It can spark the engine that drives the message of who you are to explain what you do and why it is significant to you. These are the stories that inspire our teams to follow our leadership vision. These images paint a clear picture of what others can expect from you. These are the expectations you’ve set for yourself that give rise to how others will take them up as their own.

“Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gains.”                                                                         – Chris Karcher

A values-based leader guides with intention, embodying what they believe in their work and relationships. They are invested in their mission and this is reflected in their values.  They lead by example with integrity, and authenticity.

Becoming a value-based leader sets you apart from the rest. These traits can be learned and cultivated, starting first with examining your own story and then living that story as your truth.

I believe in the power of equity in the workplace from leadership to the front line.  Our mission is to develop those in professionally and socially marginalized communities to gain the skills and competitive edge to climb the leadership ladder in business, community and family in this new world paradigm that values their work, diverse nature, and multiple perspectives, on all levels and all around the globe.

Book a call with me, and we will explore ways to unearth the values that make you unique as a leader. You can use these values to inspire your team to excellence. While waiting for your appointment, check out the growing library of leadership articles at www.byrondarden.com/blog, where we challenge leadership norms.