As a leader you have a responsibility to be self-reflective and self-aware. Unless you know who you are and where you’re going, the demands of your daily life will control you.
If you want to take more control of your life,
you must voice your values.
If you want to do more of what is really meaningful to you,
voice your values.
If you want to define what your purpose is,
voice your values.
Deep within each of us is a bedrock of values that we stand for. The voice of your values gives the echoes to your thoughts.
Your values as a leader set the boundaries for the decisions you will make every day.
Your values will serve as a guide for your actions.
Your values will provide a moral compass for the journey you are embarking on.
Your values are empowering and encouraging.
Your values are motivating and meaningful.
When you can truly identify your values, you can find fulfillment – Not just fulfillment for the moment, but a transformation and a transcendence that lasts a lifetime.
Lead From Within: We all can find the greater meaning to our existence and the fulfillment we hunger for, but it starts by giving voice to your values. It is living in the consistency of the echos of this voice that will bring you happiness.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
Valerie Iravani
17. Oct, 2011
Hello Lolly,
I received your email stating your values, and I totally agree with your list, especially ” I will constantly strive to understand, validate and acknowledge.” As a life-long learner and a business person, I see that one of our greatest needs, and lack, is ‘validation and recognition’. This takes human awareness, observation and response in order to serve the need.
As a manager, a mother, a wife, a friend, and an acquaintance, I strive to recognize and validate every person I come into contact with. It’s so important to recognize our humanity in each other.
I challenge everyone to take a few moments every day to smile and listen to at least one person – really listen and see. Take the time to acknowledge another human being as meaningful. The results are amazing – building trust and self-confidence in those people whose lives you touch.
Thanks for the post.
Chris Edwards
17. Oct, 2011
Totally agree. The biggest problem though is that most people have no idea what their values are.
lollydaskal
20. Oct, 2011
People need to know they need to identify their values to have more control.
Lolly
C.Rajeev
18. Oct, 2011
Hello !!
I am really happy to be in your mailing list once again…
Your writings are really inspiring for people like me–
I believe that a person should stand on his own and not through the collective effort of others around him–
Please keep me posted on your various writings via Email regularly–
With the kindest regards,
C.Rajeev
lollydaskal
20. Oct, 2011
So happy to have you here!
Henry Motyka
18. Oct, 2011
Your values show everyone who you are and gain you respect. They can set you apart.
lollydaskal
20. Oct, 2011
Henry,
Your values are your blueprint for your life’s journey.
Blessings
Lolly
Dr. Rae
18. Oct, 2011
Brava Lolly…
lollydaskal
20. Oct, 2011
Thanks Dr Rae,
Always great to see you!
Blessings
Lolly
Justin | Mazzastick
19. Oct, 2011
Hi Lolly,
Unless you know who you are and where you’re going, the demands of your daily life will control you. You can say that again.
If we do not state our values and let others know what they are then we cannot expect others to abide by them.
I should know, I had to learn the hard way.
lollydaskal
20. Oct, 2011
Justin,
sometimes the hardest lessons in life are the wisest gifts.
Thanks for stopping by.
Lolly
Chris Newald
20. Oct, 2011
Hi Lolly,
Everyone has values but we often lose track of them between the hustle of our busy lives. Voicing yourself can only be done when you have a clear understanding of things. I guess it’s a step-by-step situation. You need to identify what you believe in, and then learn to live by those values. After that, voicing yourself to those around you becomes second nature. A very good post!
lollydaskal
20. Oct, 2011
Thank you Chris.
i agree with your comment…”You need to identify what you believe in, and then learn to live by those values.”
Thanks for your added value to my post.
Blessings
Lolly
Mark
23. Oct, 2011
I agree with what you say. However, for me doing this has been costly.
It’s an ugly world out there and a lot of us are suffering because we have moral compasses. We live in a mostly e moral world.
lollydaskal
23. Oct, 2011
We can see the world as ugly or we can thrive to set new standards…
Keep your moral compass alive at all times. That is what makes you great!
I would love to know Mark how it has cost you?
Lolly
Mitch Mitchell
21. Nov, 2011
Great stuff Lolly. When I was a manager and now as a consultant I have put my 3 main values on there, often on my blog. They govern who I am and how I think about things. If anyone questions certain decisions I make I take them back to those 3 values, in order, in hopes that they’ll understand.
However, values go both ways. One has to be willing to at least accept someone else’s values to the extent that they don’t totally clash with yours and, at least in the business world, figure out ways to work with each other if they do.
lollydaskal
21. Nov, 2011
Mitch I agree we must stand for our values and we must learn to co exist – co create with our colleagues. All of life is a balance. Is it not?
Thanks for stopping by.
Lolly
Hannah
28. Dec, 2011
Thank you. I have just refused to work on a project because it went fundamentally against something I believe in very strongly. It was hard to say no to the work (I’m a freelancer and always looking for new projects), but I feel like I made the right decision and you have helped me to validate it.
Chery Gegelman
19. Oct, 2013
Lolly – Great post! This resonates loudly, “Your values will provide a moral compass for the journey you are embarking on.”
Craig Slater
19. Oct, 2013
Agree. I carry a card in my wallet which lists my carefully thought out core values. I review it frequently as I face work and personal challenges. This helps keep me grounded.