Welcome to the second chapter in this “10 Leadership Superpowers” series. If self-awareness is the foundation of leadership, then following your values is the compass that ensures you stay on course.
Values are your North Star—the principles that guide your decisions, actions, and priorities. But living in alignment with your values isn’t just about knowing what you stand for; it’s about actively pursuing and protecting those values, even when it’s uncomfortable.
The Wisdom in Negative Emotions
Values aren’t abstract; they’re deeply felt. When you experience joy, fulfillment, or flow, it’s a sign that your actions align with what matters most to you. But here’s the thing: even negative emotions—irritation, boredom, apathy, or laziness—are clues to your values.
- Boredom often signals a lack of meaning or challenge. A value like creativity, growth, or purpose may be missing.
- Irritation or anger can arise when something you care about feels threatened. This could point to a value like respect, fairness, or collaboration.
- Apathy or laziness might stem from the absence of inspiration, connection, or alignment with your values.
These emotions are like warning lights on your dashboard. Instead of ignoring them or reacting blindly, you can ask: What value is being ignored, threatened, or disrespected?
The Compass in Action
To follow your values, you must first feel them—literally. On an experiential level, values resonate within you. This resonance is a gut instinct, a sense of “rightness” that points you toward actions, decisions, and even relationships that align with your principles.
Developing the skill of following the resonance means pausing and tuning in. Does this decision feel aligned with your sense of purpose? Does this project ignite your creativity? When values guide your actions, your leadership gains authenticity and clarity.
Why Values Matter in Leadership
A leader without values is like a ship without a compass: directionless and reactive. But a leader who follows their values inspires trust, consistency, and respect. When your team sees you standing firm in your principles, they’re more likely to align with you and the vision you represent.
The Path Forward
Following your values sometimes requires courage. It means making tough decisions, sometimes going against your saboteurs, and holding yourself accountable to what matters most to you. But the result will feel pretty good: a leadership style rooted in authenticity and purpose.
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