Mike Pennington added an “interesting” comment to yesterday’s post highlighting the difference between values and ethics as it relates to values-based leadership. He said, “This confusion is especially true in professions where there is a written ‘Code of Ethics.’ Many times it ‘seems’ that the most successful are the ones who follow the code least often.” […]
Values-based Leadership Does Not Have To Be Ethical To Be Effective
One of the things that confounds me the most about the conversations that take place around values, brand and culture, is the assumption people make about values and their relationship to ethics, or to popular positive behavioral constructs. It’s a fairly common view. Take this following exchange as an example. @gahlord @CounselorAdrian the notion that […]
Values Are Illuminated By Crisis: Remembering A 9/11 Hero
I don’t often cry openly on an airplane in front of strangers. On a December 12, 2006 JetBlue flight to New York, I did. That day, on the History Channel, I came face to face with a man who walked the talk of his stated values and lived them so clearly that it brought me to […]
You Don’t Need To Be The General To Have Go To War Values
In every organization, regardless of size, values take root from the top down. It rarely, if ever, works the other way. Grass roots movements to shift a company culture, to align the values of the leaders of the company with the values of it’s employees, can only go so far. Even attempts to get leaders […]
What Are Your “Go To War” Values?
Everybody loves a touchy-feely statement of values. Sites like Pinterest are littered with beautifully designed values pieces. An industry has been built around selling motivational posters based on popular, ethical values. They’re inspirational and aspirational. They make us feel good. Often, however, they don’t represent reality. Too many companies have values that are not in line […]
Have You Identified The Soul Of Your Company?
First, you must believe that a soul is necessary. One of the problems of our day is that, all too often, the companies that dominate our headlines are built to be sold. Many are sold before they’re even profitable. And the creators don’t plan to be around long. So growth, even less than profits, becomes […]