Values, Beliefs & Behaviours
What we value and hold dear, shapes what we believe to be true, those beliefs become the lens through which we view the world and drive our behaviours.... what our team believes to be true about us comes from the behaviours they observe.
As a leader in business, the values and beliefs that you hold can have a significant impact on your behaviour, decision-making, and the overall culture of your organization. In this blog post, we will explore how values and beliefs drive our behaviours as leaders.
Values are the principles and beliefs that guide an individual's behaviour and decision-making. They are the foundation of our character and reflect what we consider to be important in life. As a leader in business, your values can have a significant impact on how you lead and interact with others. For example, if one of your core values is honesty, then you are more likely to be transparent with your employees, clients, and partners. You will be more likely to take responsibility for your actions and admit when you have made a mistake.
Beliefs are the assumptions that we hold about ourselves, others, and the world around us. They shape our perception of reality and can have a significant impact on our behaviour. For example, if you believe that innovation is the key to success, then you will be more likely to invest in research and development, encourage your team to take risks, and foster a culture of experimentation.
As a leader, your values and beliefs can drive your behaviour in the following ways:
- Decision-making: Your values and beliefs can influence the decisions that you make. For example, if one of your core values is sustainability, then you may choose to invest in environmentally friendly technology or products, even if it means sacrificing short-term profits.
- Communication: Your values and beliefs can impact how you communicate with others. For example, if one of your core values is respect, then you are more likely to listen actively to your employees and encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas.
- Culture: Your values and beliefs can shape the culture of your organization. For example, if you value diversity and inclusion, then you are more likely to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their background or identity.
As leaders, it's essential to recognise that our behaviours are continuously being observed and evaluated by our colleagues. Every action we take, every decision we make, and every interaction we have sends a message to our colleagues about our values and beliefs. For example, if you prioritise work-life balance and frequently leave the office on time, your colleagues will likely view you as someone who values work-life balance and respects the importance of a healthy work-life balance. On the other hand, if you frequently work long hours and expect your employees to do the same, your colleagues may view you as someone who prioritises work over everything else and does not value work-life balance.
By modelling behaviours we expect from our colleagues, we can create a culture that reflects our core values and beliefs. For example, if you value collaboration, you can demonstrate this by actively seeking out input from your colleagues and involving them in decision-making processes. This behaviour sends a message that you value collaboration and encourages your colleagues to do the same.
In summary, our behaviours as leaders play a significant role in shaping the beliefs and perceptions that our colleagues hold about us. By aligning our behaviours with our values and beliefs, we can create a culture that reflects our core values and encourages our colleagues to do the same. M4C Business Leadership and Sales Consulting can help you develop your leadership style and align your behaviours with your values and beliefs to achieve your business goals. Contact us today to learn more.
