Values translate into improvement – Reason 46

In fear of writing something redundant, Gary Peterson[1], searched the word values in Forbes Magazine[2].  At last, he found one reference and then another one, but always in a negative context.  Therefore, he decided to write an article[3], showing the value of values in corporations.

Although Peterson’s focus is on corporate values, through using his own company as an example, he describes how leaders in general can work with values.  For instance, he gives the example of being delayed; instead of blaming another person for it, a value may be found that helps to frame punctuality (like professionalism) and uses it to create a space for dialogue and to find a solution for the issue in hand.

That is the value of values for a leader: they help to improve situations and to find lasting solutions.  Whatever is done with values, even at a corporate level, will remain connected to behaviour of the person, not the job role, and the effect will last beyond their work stations.

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[1] Gary Peterson is the CEO for gap intelligence, a market research firm that announces itself as a values-led company.

[2] Forbes Magazine is an American business magazine and focuses on the economy. http://www.forbes.com

[3] Three Reasons Why Values Matter… is a short article with the intention to position values in the corporate environment.  http://www.forbes.com/sites/garypeterson/2013/08/14/three-reasons-why-values-matter-and-im-not-talking-the-money-kind/#1ce3d69d6b68

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

True commitment is an engine for improvement – Reason 45

For most people, a significant element that helps form their identity is the forged relationships between the person and family, friends, work, community, etc.  That means commitment and according to its depth and length, decisions are made and lives are shaped.

Even though committing to someone and making agreements imply the need to change or to adapt along the way, including self-change, a leader will do it.  Even though there are many people in the world who will back away from a pledge or promise, leaders won’t.

A leader leads people, not companies or machines, and her or his commitment is what helps in achieving a goal and fulfilling a vision.  By doing this, the leader’s team will work tirelessly to enable each other and others to live a better life.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

Your own example helps others in their change – Reason 44

Of the people I know, to change another person is a desire most of them have.  Parents try to change their children’s behaviour, bosses correct their employees and even rulers suggest a few changes into other politicians’ acts from time to time.

However, it is rare for that change to take place…  In these times of the Internet, parents just give up and live with the way their children act - at least until something really bad happens.  If an employee does not like her or his boss, they just look for another job and politicians will fight against their ruler’s suggestions.

But, there is a way to change others, and you have probably done so at some point, maybe without even realising.  It is just one word: Example.

A leader is able to see clearly how useless is to try to change someone else through bringing something to their attention in the form of a correction; in fact, that bad thing will get even stronger.

His or her example plants a seed for change, and its beauty is that there is no argument or opinions; after all it is really in that way.  It may take a while, but it is consistent and others don’t feel invaded or manipulated by it.

With the power of example, leaders create more leaders.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)