Cutting to the core (values)
Years ago, and I mean years ago, I sat through a professional development session at my work. Now these things were not nearly as exciting as they are today, but at least we didn't have to suffer through 'death by PowerPoint'.
In between all the "I wish I had a pencil to poke my eye out" presentations, there was one presentation that stuck with me for years. I don't remember anything about the speaker or the rest of the presentation, but the following bit of the session has stuck with me to this day.
Caveat: This post isn't meant to be a great treatise on psychology, and I'm sure a number of readers would disagree, but this simplified view of a complex subject has been most useful to me in my journey in leadership.
The speaker wrote 3 words on the flip chart. (I told you it was years ago)
Beliefs, Philosophies, Principles
Beliefs he explained were the first filter we process things through before we react. We typically ask ourselves during the decision making process "Do I believe it's a good thing or not?" The trouble is, our beliefs can be easily influenced to change by external factors. Having read Martin Lindstrom's book Brandwashed I am more convinced of this than ever.
The second filter we use is our philosophies. While they are more rigid than our beliefs, they are generally defined by the community we hang out with. Think Toronto Maple Leaf fans, bikers, professional associations, faith communities. We all draw filters from the communities we associate with. While more rigid, they still change.
The third, and most critical filter is our principles, or core values. These are the uncompromising values that ultimately govern our behaviour. They are generally few in number, but they are things we are willing to die for (at least metaphorically).
As a leader, you should be able to write out your core values at a moment's notice. Even if you can't articulate them, they still govern your approach and reaction to life and the things it throws at you. That's why it is so important for you to know what steers your rudder.
I was reminded of this subject by a posting on Geoffrey Webb's Blog called "My 3 Core Values as a Leader".
He asked the readers to respond with their core values.
Here are mine:
Truth – Where there is truth, there is freedom, dignity and respect. It’s about a bigger agenda than my own.
Trust – I cannot do this alone. I need to both trust others (their skills, intentions and word) while being wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove) and earn the trust of those I serve.
Empowerment – I’m not leading people if they are not growing and doing things they couldn’t do before; helping them to find their potential. Otherwise I’m just managing the operation.
So... Let me ask you. What are your core values?
__________________________________________________
Image: Used under creative commons license.
NOTE: This has been previously posted on LinkedIn
About the Author:
I’m the Chief Information Officer for Appleby College, in Oakville, Ontario Canada, where my team is transforming the delivery of education through innovative application of technology.
I'm convinced that IT leadership needs to dramatically change how IT is delivered rather than being relegated to a costly overhead department.
In addition to transforming IT in my role as CIO, I look for every opportunity to talk about this... writing, speaking and now blogging on BeBee (www.bebee.com/@kevin-pashuk) , LinkedIn, ITWorld Canada, or at TurningTechInvisible.com.
I also shoot things... with my camera. Check out my photostream atwww.flickr.com/photos/kwpashuk
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Comments
Kevin Pashuk
6 years ago #21
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #20
Philosophies are pretty rigid, but can be changed. I would put 'partisanship' in this mix. Garrison Kiellor of Prairie Home Companion fame once stated (and I paraphrase) on the radio show. "My grandfather was a Democrat. My father was a Democrat. Therefore, if the Democrats ran a blind, three-legged dog named Lucky as their candidate, I'd have no choice but to vote for the damn thing." If something ultimately challenges your philosophies, and you agree there is truth to the argument, you can certainly change, or 'evolve' as you put it.
Harvey Lloyd
7 years ago #19
Better stated than I. But i do see Values and Philosophies interchanged under the guise that this is my evolving value. Values are pretty hardcore as you stated. They are truly absolutes. The other two are evolutionary in nature, that coincides with our wisdom development.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #18
A great list Vincent.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #17
Great quote Laurent. It is similar to something my wife has repeatedly said (I do listen to her sometimes Ken Boddie) "If you want to see where someone's priorities are, check out their Daytimer (or Calendar for the iPhone gen)".
Laurent Boscherini
7 years ago #16
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #15
I think my wife says the same thing, but I wasn't really listening.
Ken Boddie
7 years ago #14
Well, Kev, the wife says I never listen, or something like that, and the local tradies just love to come and finish my home handyman disasters. Does that make it simple for you?
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #13
I'm trying to figure out with one of the three you are referring to Sir Ken...
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #12
Organizations and Corporations seem to have way too many 'values' in my experience... and in my experience, they are put there for show, rather than to state things that are uncompromisingly firm in the way they conduct themselves. In my post, I am talking about personal values... things you would be willing to risk your career over rather than cross the line. As an example, I was asked by the President of a company I worked for to call a client and tell him a substantial portion of the work was completed, which was a complete falsehood. I asked him why I should call instead of him. His reply? "They trust you." My reply to him was "{his name}, if I lie for you, I will lie to you." and refused to call. I went back to my office fully expecting to be handed a cardboard box. Instead, we were able (later, after the anger cooled down) to have a solid meeting around a path forward. We are still connected on social media today.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #11
Great values Rene Dansereau.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #10
May I live to annoy you in perpetuity Paul. The world needs more thinking, (as well as learning to take a restorative rest once in a while, but that's a topic for another post).
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #9
You have achieve my goal with this post Jim, to have people 'think out' what their core value or values is/are. Being human can mean so many different things to different people. I'm glad you clarified yours.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #8
Thanks for the well thought out comment Harvey. I would disagree that core values are a floating platform. If they change based on the situation, then by my definition above they would be either a belief, or a philosophy.
Ken Boddie
7 years ago #7
Laurent Boscherini
7 years ago #6
Jim Murray
7 years ago #5
don kerr
7 years ago #4
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #3
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #2
Harvey Lloyd
7 years ago #1