The best leaders I know have something others lack. You can’t always see it, but you know it is there. You know it by the actions they take, the words they say and the respect they garner. These leaders have a deeply rooted set of clear values that they navigate by.
The values vary by person and by company, but often include things like integrity, compassion, service, quality, innovation, or transparency. Deeply held values that are clearly articulated serve as an internal GPS for these leaders and organizations – always pointing them to the best action they can take in tough situations. They know that any situation might have multiple responses, but the right action is one that is in alignment with their values. When they are faced with tough decisions, discussions ensue about their values and they chose their actions from a values-based framework, rather than based on expediency or ease.
Great leaders also find ways for those they lead to know and understand the values in play. They serve as a living role model for the values in action. But more importantly, they aren’t afraid to actively align others to them. They shut down behavior that is misaligned with those values. You’ll hear them say things like: “Around here, we believe (fill in the value), so that means we (fill in the action).”
The Penn State web site lists their core principles as:
- I will respect the integrity of all individuals within the Penn State Community.
- I will practice academic honesty.
- I will demonstrate social and personal responsibility.
- I will be responsible for my own academic progress and agree to comply with all University policies.
It has become clear that since 1998, Penn State leaders had multiple chances to take a stand for these values. Unfortunately, the discussion went like this:
- “Around here, we value our football program above all else. That means we will sacrifice young boys to sexual abuse to keep the program out of the news.”
It is not hard to believe that the conversation could have gone like this instead:
- “Around here, we value the integrity of all individuals. We are concerned about some young boys under our care. That means we need to act on these reports and correct the situation.”
Or,
- “Around here we demonstrate personal and social responsibility. That means we need to comply with the law, report the alleged abuse of young boys.”
A review of the Penn State web site shows that they are tightening up their policies and exhorting those in the Penn State community to follow them. Funny thing about values – they aren’t about what is written in some policy – they are about what leaders do, day in and day out. Even funnier thing about values – the short term inconvenience of living up to your values always serves you and your organization the best over time.
