values word written on wood block. values text on table, concept.
Welcome to another week of the Transformational Leadership Series. Last week, we discussed autocratic leadership systems and styles versus democratic ones and the fact that one group of styles are not necessarily superior to another in and of themselves but what rather makes the difference are the individuals in position(s) of leadership, the condition of their hearts and their value systems—and whether the value systems have the improvement of followers and community as an end result.
Today let’s discuss values briefly. Our value systems determine whether we will be transformational leaders or not. The reason why some countries find themselves atop of the human development index and others rank consistently at the bottom of the index is because of the individual values of their leaders and sometimes the cultural values of the society.
WHAT ARE VALUES?
Values can be defined as “principles or standards of behaviour; one’s judgement of what is important in life”. Values are moral principles. One can look at values as an internal compass or steering mechanism that influences, guides or governs our behaviour.
Values inform and are derived from our “attitudes about worth”. Our attitudes include the collection of our opinions, prejudices and sentiments. Values influence our behaviour (the manner in which we conduct ourselves). Values are the cornerstones or foundation of who we are.
Values can also be defined as personal beliefs and preferences that influence one’s behaviour. They are:
- Deep-seated in personality
- Exist at different levels of awareness
- Awareness of values enhances integrity
Values inform our choices and that is why it is key to transformational leadership.
FACTORS THAT SHAPE VALUES
Values are shaped by multiple factors. A few of them include the families we grow up in, people we meet and interact with in life as well as those who influence us from afar, events or life impacting circumstances, religious influences, educational background and schools attended, the media we encounter.
CATEGORIES OF VALUES
Values can be categorized into any number of categories. These may include but are not subject to Personal values, Cultural values, Organizational or Corporate values, Social values, Economic values, Political values, Religious values etc.
CONCLUSION
Leadership can be likened unto an orange. When the pressures of life put on a squeeze, the juice, what we are really made up of, our values-guided actions will pour forth. It is important that leaders focus on developing their core values to be truly transformational agents.
