“When we live our values, we create change not just in ourselves but in the world around us.” – Jacinda Ardern
Success without authenticity feels hollow to me. Staying true to my values has shaped how I lead and inspire others throughout my career. Nurturing a values-driven approach strengthens teams and empowers people to bring their authentic selves to work. Here’s how I integrate values into leadership to encourage authenticity and purpose.
What Does It Mean to Be Values-Driven?
Being values-driven means using values like integrity, compassion, reflection, and innovation to guide decisions and actions. At the Child Brain Injury Trust, these values provide a shared foundation, ensuring our work creates a meaningful impact.
The Role of Authenticity in Leadership
Authenticity builds trust. Building trust sets an example that inspires connection and purpose. For instance, during the pandemic, I leaned on transparency and inclusivity, involving the team in open discussions to build trust, and we navigated the challenges together.
Practical Ways to Embed Values at Work
- Lead by Example
Demonstrate values daily, whether celebrating successes or addressing challenges with honesty. During Glow Week 2024, I prioritised collaboration, ensuring everyone played a role in shaping the campaign. - Encourage Open Conversations
Create spaces for dialogue about values. Discussing imposter syndrome in team meetings, for example, helps align personal and organisational goals. - Recognise Values in Action
Highlight moments when values drive success. Seeing civic buildings lit up for Glow Week embodied community inclusion and reminded us of our impact. - Provide Support
Offer resources to help teams connect with their purpose, from development resources to one-on-one conversations. - Challenges and Lessons Learned
Living by values isn’t always easy. Reflection is key. Revisiting core values during strategic planning, for example, helped balance ambition with sustainability and long-term impact. - Impact of a Values-Driven Culture
A values-driven culture builds trust, deepens relationships, and nurtures authenticity. Colleagues often share how this alignment motivates them and strengthens connections. For me, the reward is seeing our impact on the families we support.
How can we encourage others to use a values-driven approach?
Ask – What values matter most to you? Reflect on how they shape your actions. Small steps, like writing things down or conversations about shared purpose, can lead to deep shifts in mindset. Authenticity starts with understanding your values—and living them every day.
Lisa Turan – CEO, Child Brain Injury Trust.
