Steering the Value ship #2
Value-ship is not a new concept, but awareness of it is.
from Linked IN 8/13 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz 1/14
Value-based leadership begins with identifying Core Values – which are the basic principles that we have chosen to guide our actions. Core values define beliefs, standards, & acceptable behavior. Once determined & communicated throughout the organization, they guide & govern the decisions & actions of the individuals & the organization. The core values shape the organizational culture, the behavior, and the actions of all who are associates with the organization. The core values provide the framework for decisions, priorities, & actions.
Identifying your Personal Values Many people have given little more than a passing thought to identifying the values that govern their personal behavior, and even fewer organizations have done so. Instead, they accept the values of others or let situations determine the values. In almost all cases in which values are not clearly defined, good decisions are more difficult to make. Without values, people are easily influenced and decisions are subject to frequent change or compromise. Situational values confuse people and create problems and complexity.
Core Values help in Decision Making. Successful leaders make important decisions based on a set of core values and do the “right” things for the “right” reasons. In an organization, personal values may differ. A leader will help everyone focus on common values that will engineer a desire for cooperation & teamwork, without invalidating those personal differences. What are your values? Can you easily and specifically identify them? What about people throughout your organization? Are they committed to the organizational values?
“My firm belief is that Values are the “buoys” in the Ship Channel of commerce – to help us steer our way. During the course of your business, you’ve got to make thousands of decisions. You’ve got to react to what happens every day. But if you can’t guide your decisions by your Core Values, you get lost. Totally lost.” James Houghton, former chairman & CEO of Corning Glass.
Comments: What do you think of Value-ship & how would you use it?