Introduction
Leadership isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about living your leadership values consistently. Whether you’re at work, with family, or in your community, aligning your actions with your principles builds trust and inspires influence.
One evening in, I learned this the hard way. My son was trying to build a racetrack from couch cushions. I was tired and wanted quiet, but I remembered my value of patience. Instead of shutting him down, I joined in. That small act of presence spoke louder than words.
If you’re ready to lead with authenticity and create lasting impact, this article will show you 5 actionable steps to live your leadership values every day.
The Importance of Living Your Leadership Values
What Are Leadership Values, and Why Do They Matter to Me?
Leadership values are the principles that guide your decisions and actions. Honesty, humility, service, and courage are just a few examples of values that shape authentic leadership.
During my unaccompanied year in Curacao, one of my core values—commitment—was tested. I couldn’t be there physically for my family, but I committed to being present in other ways. Weekly video calls, handwritten letters, and small gifts reminded them they were my priority.
Your values matter because they define how you lead and show others what you stand for.
What Happens When Your Actions Don’t Match Your Values?
We’ve all been there—saying family is a priority but scrolling through our phones during dinner, or preaching accountability at work while dodging responsibility.
These moments of inconsistency erode trust and authenticity. Living your values isn’t about being perfect; it’s about striving for alignment in your everyday actions.
How Living Your Values Creates Influence
How Do Values Align with Authentic Leadership?
Authenticity in leadership means showing up as your true self, guided by your principles. When your actions consistently reflect your values, people trust you.
Faith underscores this in Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Aligning your heart with your values ensures your actions inspire genuine influence.
Why Does Consistency Build Trust?
Consistency separates good intentions from great leadership. When you live out your values consistently, people know they can rely on you.
I made a promise to my daughter to help her learn to ride her bike. She was scared, and even though I was tired, I stayed with her, holding the seat until she felt confident. That small act of consistency built her trust in me—and in herself.
5 Steps to Living Your Leadership Values Today
1. Identify Your Core Values
To live your values, you need to know what they are. Reflect on the principles that matter most to you, like integrity, family, or growth.
Practical Tip: Write down your top three values and ask yourself how they show up in your daily actions.
2. Audit Your Actions
Look closely at whether your behavior aligns with your values. This step takes honesty and humility.
Example: If you say family is a priority but spend most evenings distracted by work, it’s time to recalibrate.
Actionable Tip: Identify one habit that doesn’t align with your values and commit to changing it this week.
3. Communicate Your Values Clearly
People need to know what you stand for. Sharing your values with your family or team creates accountability.
Example: At work, I told my team that integrity was my top value. Later, when I made a mistake on a project, I owned up to it immediately. That transparency reinforced my commitment to living by my principles.
4. Make Small, Intentional Choices Daily
Big gestures aren’t required. Small, consistent actions—like listening fully, keeping promises, or showing gratitude—build trust over time.
Faith emphasizes this in Luke 16:10: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Small steps matter.
Actionable Tip: Choose one small action today that reflects your values and do it intentionally.
5. Embrace Accountability
We all fall short sometimes. Inviting accountability from trusted people ensures you stay aligned with your principles.
Example: During a family dinner, my wife reminded me to put my phone away after I’d promised to be present. That gentle nudge helped me refocus on my value of prioritizing family.
Real-Life Applications of Leadership Values
How Can Living Your Values Strengthen Your Role as a Father?
Children learn more from what you do than what you say. Modeling values like patience, humility, and perseverance teaches them by example.
What Do Leadership Values Look Like at Work?
Being honest, reliable, and supportive earns respect and builds trust within your team.
How Do Faith and Values Intersect?
Faith provides a moral foundation for living your values. It encourages humility, service, and forgiveness, even during difficult moments.
Overcoming Challenges in Living Your Leadership Values
What Happens When You Fall Short?
Acknowledge mistakes, seek forgiveness, and take steps to realign with your values.
How Do You Stay Consistent During Stress?
Lean on reflection, prayer, or support from trusted people to stay grounded in your principles.
What Role Does Forgiveness Play in Leadership?
Forgiving yourself and others allows you to move forward without letting missteps derail your commitment to your values.
Action Plan: Start Living Your Leadership Values Today
Step 1: Define One Value to Focus On
Choose one value and make it your priority for the next week.
Step 2: Set a Daily Intention
Start each day with a simple action that reflects your chosen value.
Step 3: Reflect and Adjust
Spend a few minutes each evening evaluating how well your actions aligned with your value and what you can improve.
Conclusion
True influence doesn’t come from authority or charisma—it comes from consistently living your values. Aligning your actions with your principles builds trust, inspires others, and creates a legacy of authenticity.
Take the first step today—choose one core value and start living it intentionally.
What’s one value you’ll commit to living today? Share your thoughts in the comments and inspire others!
FAQs
1. What are leadership values?
Leadership values are principles like honesty, integrity, and service that guide your actions and decisions.
2. How can I identify my values?
Reflect on what matters most to you, write them down, and consider how they align with your actions.
3. What if my actions don’t align with my values?
Identify the disconnect, take responsibility, and commit to small, intentional changes to realign.
4. How do values impact my role as a father?
Living your values sets an example for your children, building trust, respect, and connection.
5. Can faith help me live my values?
Yes, faith provides a moral framework to guide your actions and strengthen your commitment to your values.
The Gentle Warriors 
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