“Leaders with principles are less likely to get bullied or pushed around because they can draw clear lines in the sand … The softest pillow is a clear conscience.” – Narayana Murthy, founder and CEO, Infosys
I was sitting on my living room floor with my face in my hands. A couple of months earlier, I had made an ethical decision that led to some strong consequences for a colleague. Rumors spread throughout the organization. The hardest part was feeling that others did not trust my decision. But standing on my values gave me a clear conscience and carried me through the storm.
Values are essential for success. They are like a foundation to a house. We don’t see the foundation, but if the house did not have a foundation, it would collapse in the midst of storms. We need to be reminded to review our values and keep them in front of us.
Here are some benefits of values:
Values Increase Health
Being aware of your values leads to a healthy and happy life. Resource Associates Corporation recently shared this study about values:
About twenty years ago, a group of college students at Stanford University headed home for winter break. While they were gone, they were given the task of keeping a daily journal. In this journal, some of the students were asked to write about their most important personal values and then describe how the events of each day connected with those values. Another group of students was simply asked to describe the positive events that happened throughout their day.
When the students returned to school after the break, the researchers discovered that those students who wrote about their personal values were healthier, experienced fewer illnesses, and had better energy and attitude than the students who merely wrote about the positive events in their lives. As time has gone on, these findings have been replicated in nearly a hundred additional studies.
When we live in alignment with our values, we live authentically and feel less stress.
Values Give Guidance to Actions
Bill George in his book, Discover Your True North, states, “If values inform the positive principles you intend to live by, ethical boundaries set the absolute limits you place on actions.”
Values direct us how to live by principles. If you have a value of being understanding, then you will live it in action by listening to others perspectives. If you have a value of compassion, you will take time to address the needs of others.
Values also direct us on how not to live. These define our ethical boundaries. If you have a value of honesty, then you will set boundaries for lying. There will be a consequence for crossing that boundary. Bill George recommends the “New York Times” test. If you would be uncomfortable having the situation and your discussions posted in the New York Times, then maybe you need to rethink your actions.
Values Undergird Culture & Community
When a group has a set of defined and shared values, they become more cohesive. They have an agreed upon way of living that leads to security and confidence. A year ago, I had helped facilitate a group to define their values. Recently a member of this group told me about some actions they took based on their values during a controversial situation. They were criticized by others, but by being a part of this group with shared values, they had the strength to do the right thing. Their actions also gave hope to others.
What are your values? Do you have a set of defined values that you share with your organization or your family? What do your values look like in action?