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.