The Employment Edge #003 Values in Action: Leading Authentically

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Many of you are just getting back to work this week. And while it's a 🎉 new year, it's the same you. Now is the perfect time to ensure that you're leading with your values, shaping a more authentic and fulfilling professional journey. After all, as Jon Stewart wisely puts it, "If you don't stick to your values when they're being tested, they're not values: they're hobbies."

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In business, the significance of values in leadership cannot be overstated. A recent excerpt from the Harvard Business Review emphasizes that embodying values goes beyond mere lip service—it's about making them an integral part of a company's culture, a compass for decision-making.

Patrick M. Lencioni, in his insightful article "Make Your Values Mean Something," reinforces the idea that strong values require courage and commitment, setting a company apart and serving as a rallying point for employees.

Link to full HBR article here

At Integria, we don't just list values on our website—Integrity. Transparency. Diversity. These are the guiding principles of our team. Every decision flows through these values, even when it comes at a financial cost. Leading with these values helps us find our people: clients, candidates, suppliers, and team members who resonate with these principles.

What does your organization stand for? Do you live and breathe the values your company espouses? Do your employees understand where the line is drawn, and what actions contradict your values?

The simplicity and power of McKinsey's advice, as highlighted in the Harvard Business Review, echo a values-driven leadership philosophy: "Tell the truth and do what’s right." These words capture the essence of principled leadership.

Consider the Johnson & Johnson Paradigm—a company that has seamlessly integrated values into its DNA since 1943. Their commitment to the well-being of patients, healthcare professionals, and consumers was vividly demonstrated in 1982 when they recalled 31 million bottles of Tylenol due to cyanide contamination. Despite the short-term financial costs, the company's leaders upheld their values, setting a benchmark for crisis management and ethical leadership.

In the spirit of authenticity, let's recognize that embracing values isn't always the easier path. It might mean having those difficult conversations, making choices that challenge the status quo, or even facing short-term setbacks. However, the resilience and strength that emanate from staying true to your values far outweigh the temporary discomfort.

As we ask ourselves, "What do you stand for?" let's remember that these values are the foundation upon which relationships are built, both internally and externally. They foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation—a culture where individuals thrive not only professionally but also personally.

So, as you navigate the professional world, let your values be your guiding light, paving the way for a workplace where authenticity isn't just a buzzword but a way of life. Embrace the journey, stay true to your values, and let this new year be a testament to the transformative power of leading with authenticity.

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Here are a few lists to help you think about how you're currently leading and how your values play into that. We've also included 2 more lists for both hiring managers and jobseekers to help with some interview questions all around values.

5 Key Points for Reflecting on Your Leadership:

1. 🔄 Embracing Change: Reflect on your personal journey. Have your career choices aligned with your values?
2. 🌐 Living Our Values: Evaluate your organization's values. Are they actively shaping decisions and actions?
3. 🔍 Transparency in Action: Consider your transparency with your team. Are you eliminating surprises and fostering trust?
4. ⚖ Integrity in Decision-Making: Assess recent decisions. Have you prioritized integrity, even if it meant short-term setbacks?
5. 🚀 Values-Driven Leadership: Reflect on your leadership style. Does it align with the simple yet powerful advice: "Tell the truth and do what's right"?

Candidates: 5 Questions to Assess Potential Employer Values

1. How would you describe the company's core values, and how do they guide decision-making and daily operations?
2. In what ways does the organization foster diversity and inclusion? Can you share initiatives or programs that reflect a commitment to these values?
3. How does the company handle ethical dilemmas or challenges that may arise in the course of business? Can you provide examples of difficult decisions made in alignment with the company's values?
4. What measures does the company take to foster a positive and inclusive company culture, and how is employee feedback valued and addressed?
5. Can you share success stories of employees who have thrived within the organization and attribute their success to the company's values and culture?

Hiring Managers: 5 Questions to Assess Candidate Values

1. Can you provide an example from your previous role where you had to make a tough decision that aligned with your personal values, even if it posed challenges for the team or the organization?
2. In your opinion, what role do integrity and honesty play in the workplace? Can you provide examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your previous roles?
3. How do you handle situations where your personal values may conflict with company policies or decisions? Can you provide an example and explain how you resolved it?
4. How do you contribute to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment? Can you provide examples of initiatives or actions you've taken to promote your values of diversity and equity?
5. Can you share a story of a successful collaboration where you had to navigate differing values or perspectives within your team?

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