The $50M CEO's Guide to Mastering Mindset: 5 Strategies for Resilient Leadership
As a business owner, I've learned that one of the most critical factors in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship is having a clear understanding of your core values.
Whether you're managing your own mental health or guiding your business through challenging times, staying true to your core values is essential for long-term success and fulfillment.
The Importance of Defining Core Values
Many people enter relationships, both personal and professional, without taking the time to discuss and align their core values. This oversight can lead to significant problems down the road when differences in priorities and goals come to light. In my own marriage, I discovered that my faith was a crucial part of my core values, while my ex-wife had a strong aversion to religion. Had we addressed this early on, we might have saved ourselves years of struggle.
The same principle applies to business. At my company, my wife and I have clearly defined our core values: putting clients first, serving the team, and giving back to the community. We hire people who share these values and make decisions based on these principles, even when it means short-term sacrifices for the business.
Hiring for Core Values
When building a team, it's crucial to look for individuals who align with your company's core values. During interviews, we ask candidates questions that reveal their priorities and values, such as:
We also look for evidence of core values on resumes, such as volunteer work or long-term commitments to previous employers. While young people may still be developing their core values, by the time someone reaches their mid-thirties, they should have a clear understanding of what their life stands for.
Leading by Example
To truly embed core values in your company culture, it's essential to lead by example. We organize charity events on weekends and encourage our employees to participate, often bringing their children along. This not only demonstrates our commitment to serving the community but also provides an opportunity to teach valuable lessons to the next generation.
When I see employees showing up to these events and giving their time to help others, I know they genuinely share our core values.Instead of forcing rules, it's about creating an environment where people naturally want to do the right thing.
Navigating Personal Challenges
As a business owner, I've experienced firsthand how personal struggles can take a toll on both my well-being and my company's performance. It's easy to fall into a funk, feeling unmotivated, anxious, or even depressed. During these challenging times, it's tempting to let things slide or make impulsive decisions that may not be in the best interest of your business or your team.
However, I've learned that staying grounded in my core values is the key to navigating these personal challenges. When I'm feeling lost or overwhelmed, I take a step back and remind myself of the principles that guide my life and my business: serving clients, supporting my team, and giving back to the community.
Serving Clients: When I'm feeling down, it's easy to get caught up in my own problems and forget what really matters. But when I focus on helping my clients, it gives me a sense of purpose and motivation. I think to myself, "How can I keep giving my best to my clients, even when I'm struggling?"
By focusing on this core value, I'm able to push through my personal challenges and maintain a high standard of service. This not only benefits my clients but also helps me maintain a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, even during difficult times.
Supporting My Team: Leading with Consistency As a leader, my personal struggles can have a ripple effect on my entire team. If I allow my funk to affect my decision-making or management style, it can create confusion, uncertainty, and even resentment among my employees.
By staying committed to my core value of supporting my team, I'm able to provide consistent leadership, even when I'm facing personal challenges. I make sure to communicate clearly, delegate effectively, and prioritize my team's well-being. This helps maintain a stable and positive work environment, even when I'm not at my best.
Giving Back: Finding Perspective and Gratitude When I'm struggling with personal issues, it's easy to become consumed by my own problems and lose sight of the bigger picture. However, by focusing on my core value of giving back to the community, I'm able to gain perspective and find a sense of gratitude.
Whether it's participating in charity events or simply taking the time to mentor a team member, engaging in acts of service helps me remember that my struggles are just a small part of a much larger world. It reminds me that I have the power to make a positive impact, even during my darkest moments.
The Power of Core Values: A Personal Compass Navigating personal challenges as a business owner is never easy, but staying grounded in your core values can provide a powerful compass to guide you through the storm. By consistently focusing on serving clients, supporting your team, and giving back to the community, you can maintain a sense of purpose, perspective, and resilience.
The Power of Alignment
Ultimately, living your core values is about more than just business success. It's about building a life and relationships that are fulfilling and meaningful. When you surround yourself with people who share your values, whether they're friends, family, or colleagues, you create a strong foundation for growth and happiness.
I've learned that true success comes from serving others and making a positive impact on the world around me. By staying true to my core values and helping others do the same, I've found a sense of purpose and satisfaction that goes beyond financial gain.
If you're struggling to define or live out your core values, I encourage you to take some time for self-reflection. Ask yourself what truly matters to you and what kind of legacy you want to leave behind.
Then, start making decisions and building relationships that align with those values.
It may not always be easy, but it will lead you to a more authentic and rewarding life, both personally and professionally.