Values Are Very Valuable
We live for what we value. We work, hustle, or even risk our lives to possess what we consider valuablests. On the other hand, a person may be willing to sacrifice even their life rather than give up some values. In essence, what we value, whether individual or societal, shapes us with our values. In this context, in all examinations related to leadership, values are increasingly strengthening their place as one of the most fundamental factors with their evolutionary dynamics.
From where I stand, I see values as the name or framework of the furthest stage we can reach in the "journey of being human." The final station of the journey from being intelligent to acting wise. Values also become the foundation of the organizations we invent on the journey from the miracle of physical evolution to the complexity of social relationships.
"It is possible to define values as relatively permanent beliefs (principles) that determine the preference of a behavior (compared to its counterpart)." (1973, Milton Rokeach) In this sense, we create ourselves in society with our values and what we value. Our values collage allows us to make the claim that separates us from billions of identical lives and makes us ourselves.
Based on this definition, we use the concept of "values" to discuss and understand the mechanisms behind our behaviors according to the definition of social scientists. Or, we use them to shape these behaviors in the desired direction or to motivate others for an action. (2012, Blog, Emre Saylık)
The effects of our values and what we value are constantly being updated with our life cycle, evolving towards the universal good of humanity through the composite effect of many factors. It draws our own portrait in human consumption, in the life we build, in our career, in our efforts to produce, in our understanding of contribution, and in the search for meaning.
While values are constantly updated over time and periods, they can render meaningless driving the car you once desired or make it mandatory to improve the lives of the people you work with. The priority in expressing the titles you gained in your career, the areas you specialized in, or the work you did in your career determines your preference.
What is “Valuable Leadership"?
In the end, values that define and shape humans are, in my opinion, the most important field of study for discussing leadership and leadership that guides the lives and behaviors of other people. However, I can see that leadership issues or management skills are rarely discussed based on values. Instead, I hear people who speak on this subject, experienced leaders, or academics producing discourse, on average talking about leadership competencies. I think this situation arises from the fact that values are a minefield discussion area related to integrity.
For example, it does not seem possible for a person who divides their values into work and personal life to also divide their values. A person who takes on the role of managing a team simply because of the necessity to increase their income can create a headache for themselves by bringing values to the agenda.
Thus, when you think about why you cannot admire an experienced leader, values spontaneously emerge as the essential element that puts the leader's value for you in the forefront. I believe that actions or competencies talked about a lot in the name of leadership can find reality and permanence in the measure of values.
Leaders are members of a privileged group who close the lead role on all curtains in the global theater of dominance, and in return, they bear their responsibilities. Looking at this responsibility, I want to remind you that leaders aiming to add a building block or a brick to the "existence" journey of humans should learn to exhibit "Valuable Leadership."
For this purpose, as the first step, I recommend that a valuable leader seek the definition of values at three levels: working, associating, and harmonizing with the values of the organizational structure in which they exist. We structure our work in the Valuable Leadership® Training Program based on these levels.
1-) Nourishing Values: Values that enable an individual to realize themselves while making them feel valuable and acceptable. For example; Happiness, Peace, Freedom, Friendship.
2-) Supportive Values: Values that enable an individual to find themselves balanced and sensitive in their relationships. For example; Reputation, Integrity, Respect, Equality.
3-) Productive Values: Values that enable an individual to understand that they are also sufficient and can contribute in the communities and organizations they belong to. For example; Openness to Change, Responsibility, Collaboration, Persistence.
In this sense, placing the concept of "value" under the microscope in organizational dynamics will guide us with the philosophy of "Valuable Leadership" in future productive and flexible organizations. Because values are very useful, effective, and meaningful when discussing both the positive skills that shine in a person and the negative aspects of a person while being human.
In summary, values help us distinguish between the relationship between a person who can throw a phone at their employee's head and still remain the top executive of that company for many years and the absence of leadership. Or, while talking about leadership for years, it guides us to understand that a guru who does not pay their employee's insurance premium is not real. On the other hand, Valuable Leadership explains why a staff officer who, during World War I, chose to read about 'women's rights' among dozens of priority topics when he withdrew to his tent at night on the front lines, is still an example to the whole world as the greatest leader, as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. (2002, King of the Mountain, Arnold M. Ludwig)
Therefore, I suggest using the expression "Valuable Leadership" both to point out the values of the leader and to explain this valuable impact. I hope that all "valuable leaders" who use their minds with common sense and exhibit their human characteristics in integrity can include them in their lives and inspire with these aspects.
For this purpose, with those who enjoy thinking about leadership, we can start discussing immediately through the question "Which values will we be talking about the leaders in the future?"
After all, this is the only life; "both small and insignificant, yet so rare and valuable." It is equally valuable with the value you add to yourself and your surroundings. (Movie, Message 1997-Ellie Arroway)