Values in Executive Presence (Part 2/5)

Reflecting on your values lowers your stress and increases your presence.

One big factor that impacts employee engagement and retention is “executive presence”. What I’ve seen help and hinder most in a leader’s presence is the capacity to demonstrate strong EQ (ability to recognize, manage, and influence emotions). Suzie Rybicki, VP Talent and Training, Phishlabs.

CULTURE & VALUES

Harvard business prof Rosabeth Moss Kanter, commented on the importance of conversations on the topic of values: In organizations that I call ‘supercorps’—companies that are innovative, profitable, and responsible—widespread dialogue about the interpretation and application of values enhances accountability, collaboration, and initiative.

Yet another aspect of how communication reflects and affects culture. As I'm interviewing different companies for my upcoming CULTURED book, it's apparent that conversations around the values almost matter more than the values themselves.

Conversations About Values

When people who work together get to know what really matters to each person, that knowledge deepens motivation and lowers interpersonal conflict in the entire group. Open discussion on something as deep as values reflects a healthy culture.

In a 2009 study published in the Journal of Pain (what a title!), University of Missouri researchers shared that when a personal values exercise was included in the treatment plan for chronic pain, the tolerance for pain increased.

That’s because taking time to get clear on your values helps you to focus on what is really important to you and not be as distracted by inconsequential, sidebar issues.

Plenty of studies show that when participants engage in some way with articulating their core values, for example by writing a paragraph about them or taking a few minutes to reflect on these values, actual stress in the body decreases.

Now it's your turn!

VALUES Exercise

When you feel fairly relaxed, ask yourself: what are my deepest, innermost values?  

Open your eyes and write down some words that capture what’s important to you. Don’t worry about defining “value” – we’re including anything important to a person.

If nothing occurs to you, close your eyes again and stay focused on the question for another couple of minutes until a word comes to mind. Write it down, and repeat the question: what is my deepest, innermost value? If a different word comes to mind—and it often does—write that one down as well.

Repeat this step several more times, to see if other essential values rise into consciousness.   

VALUES WORD BANK

integrity      balance      profit            growth         challenge    caring      excellence  quality        trust              appreciation        enthusiasm      creativity    service         passion        friendship               family       learning       adding value         wisdom       community     beauty         faith              innovation             love               kindness                  fun     authenticity          style        nurturing    wealth          stability

Use some (or all) of these words to paint a picture of your values... the things you cherish at work! Choose 3 - 5 words and write them down with your "why". (Of course you can use words that are not on this list!)

Keep your little list of values handy. Remembering what's really important in life has a way of clarifying messing situations and raising your confidence level.

Photo by Etty Fidele on Unsplash