Values Check

Our values inform our thoughts, words, and actions. As a leader, we must identify our own personal values and make sure they are in alignment with the organization’s values.

All of our leadership decisions should be based on: what is meaningful to us, what is essential to us, and what is non-negotiable to us.  It’s been said that when values are clear, decisions are easier.

When we live out our values, we learn that they can act as our own personal tools by:

• Resembling a GPS:  they keep us on the right path.  Every journey has a path and even when we get off-course, our GPS brings us back. Living out our values keeps us on the right path.
• Acting as a guard: they protect us from compromise.  When we live out our values, we remain steadfast in our commitment to truths as we know them.
• Serving as a gauge:  Living out our values provides us with our own personal measuring stick for life.  Our values enable us to evaluate where we are and how we are doing. There is a connection to who we are, who we are becoming, and how we live our lives.

Spend some time to make a list of your top five values. Are there any areas of improvement? Is it time to take action? What can you do today to make sure you’re living out your values?