Are your Actions aligned with your Corporate Values?

Definition

Operating philosophies or principles that guide an organization's internal conduct as well as its relationship with the external world. Core values are usually summarized in the mission statement or in the statement of core values.

Would you be able to talk to me about your Corporate Values? Do you know exactly what they are? Do you live by it?

I have recently read the head lines 'Corporate Values are in Vogue' in a Business Newspaper. Whoever wrote these headlines does not really understand Corporate Values.

It is no secret that the most successful businesses that were (and still are) leading companies over many decades, are the ones that have the foundation of the success triangle: Clear Mission and Vision, and meaningful Values.

Values are not just a few words that change depending on what's fashionable at the moment. They are long-lasting. No matter how fast business changes around us (and we have to be ready for change constantly), Values do NOT change. They are a part of the driving force. In his book 'Built to last', Jim Collins writes about his findings after studying for 6 years some of the most successful and lasting Companies. They were Visionary Companies with meaningful Values that had a higher purpose than just serve the company.

How many Companies have the values of providing and innovative environment - but they turn around and punish their teams for mistakes? How can you create an innovative environment if you don't let people try and make errors? Think back of how many attempts Edison and the Wright Brothers had before they were successful. Do you think they ever would have come up with these brilliant inventions if somebody would have constantly looked over their shoulder and put pressure on them not to "screw" it up?

Walk the talk!

Look at the values and give the teams around you everything they need to make these values a part of their daily work.

What are your Company's Values? Are you walking the talk?

Are you a Visionary Leader?

Do you have the vision to steer your organization to success?

What does a visionary leader look like?

Like anything worth taking pride in, leadership is the result of hard work.

The 10 key qualities shared by visionary leaders:

They execute with confidence. Successful visionary leaders know where they want to go and how to get there. They move confidently toward their goals by initiating the action and getting others to buy in on their beliefs. In short, they believe in themselves, and others believe in them, too. The result is camaraderie, shared goals, and improved morale.

They're self-created. If you've ever been fascinated by a leader who possesses that special something and wondered: were they born that way, or did they become that way through hard work? The answer is almost certainly the latter. Visionary leaders inspire those around them because they've thought long and hard about where they want to go and how to get there. If you want to be like them, focus on developing the visionary leader in you.

They aren't worried about being liked. Focusing your energies on being liked in favor of following your own vision is a recipe for failure. Visionary leaders are more interested in being respected for their skills, integrity, and work ethic than they are about being liked. That's why they're willing to put everything on the line and remain focused on their company's success, not their own personal success.

They're innovators. In today's rapidly changing business environment, successful leaders need to be innovators. Staying ahead means continually inventing new ways to achieve goals, organize, and build team effort. They embrace change instead of shrinking from it, and reach through obstacles to create success.

They're delegators. Visionary leaders increase team efficiency by moving decision-making responsibility to the frontline. That means delegating authority to those who've earned their trust. And once they delegate that authority, they take a hands-off approach and refrain from micromanaging.

They create learning opportunities. We all want to continue to learn and to grow, both as people and as business professionals. Visionary leaders create learning opportunities for themselves and those around them. Continuous learning opportunities are highly motivating -- they inspire employee loyalty and foster product and service quality.

They have high expectations. If you have a burning desire to achieve, you want to be employed by an organization with a reputation for supporting its employees' personal ambitions. Visionary leaders aren't threatened by subordinates who want to achieve, because they understand that success is defined by achieving goals, and that their subordinates' success is a reflection of their own strong leadership skills.

They recognize natural talent. No one knows what their true capabilities are until they're given the opportunity and responsibility to strive for more. If you want to be a visionary leader, seek out your employees' unique skills. Doing so will encourage loyalty and increase your odds of success.

They believe in actions, not words. Visionaries focus on the future and can articulate what they see in order to inspire others. Visionaries are good talkers, but they're better with actions.

They're well balanced. Visionary leadership requires clear vision, the ability to empower relationships, and innovative action. In other words, it requires a good balance of mental, emotional, and physical attributes, in addition to integrity and strong core values. When one or more of these dimensions is missing, leadership cannot manifest a vision. That's why visionary leaders possess all of the above.

~ Source: All Business ~