We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men [and women] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
This famous sentence opens the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, which thereafter, in due time, ultimately led to the formation of the United States of America. With this singular sentence, the Founders articulated the basis for their decisions - and the core of the leadership philosophy that served as the guiding principle for their subsequent role in securing freedom for the 13 Colonies in the New World. As we can observe, The Declaration of Independence was not framed independent of a strongly-held set of values.
The point? Throughout history, significant leadership actions are born out of a set of values; a set of strongly held beliefs that form a foundation for the decisions and actions which follow.
The question? What do I, as a leader, value the most? What are the “non-negotiables” that frame the decisions and actions by which my leadership is expressed?
Consider setting aside time this week to reflect on these questions. Let’s ponder the answers carefully…maybe even write the answers in a journal with a date certain a few months down the road to review them once again… Wouldn’t it be valuable to answer the question, ”What do I value the most? What values drive me as I lead?