I recently had a coaching conversation with a client working in a high-pressure environment. You know the kind—everything needed to be done yesterday, quick fixes were the norm, and the next shiny coin was always the priority.
We started talking about values. Personal values. Company values. And how, despite all the training, coaching, and workshops, their day-to-day reality didn’t align with the values they were supposedly living by.
When Values Are Just Lip Service
Here’s the thing: I’ve walked into plenty of companies where values are everywhere.
But guess what? Values aren’t what’s written in a company handbook or hung on the wall. Values are what you do. When it comes to the tough moments—the high-pressure deadlines, the difficult conversations, the conflicts between quick wins and long-term integrity—that’s when values are tested. That’s when they need to come alive.
- Printed on walls.
- Displayed on posters and cool Canva infographics.
- Even set as the desktop background on every computer.
But guess what? Values aren’t what’s written in a company handbook or hung on the wall. Values are what you do. When it comes to the tough moments—the high-pressure deadlines, the difficult conversations, the conflicts between quick wins and long-term integrity—that’s when values are tested. That’s when they need to come alive.
The Courage to Get Messy
Here’s where it gets uncomfortable: living your values is messy.
It means:
Few companies are willing to get their hands dirty with this work. It’s easier to slap some nice words on a poster and call it a day. But that’s not leadership—that’s greenwashing your culture.
- Having courageous conversations about what’s not working.
- Calling out hypocrisy when decisions or actions don’t align with the stated values.
- Supporting others to speak up and act with integrity, even when it’s inconvenient.
Few companies are willing to get their hands dirty with this work. It’s easier to slap some nice words on a poster and call it a day. But that’s not leadership—that’s greenwashing your culture.
A Challenge for the Holidays
This holiday season, I want to challenge you: take the time to reflect on your own values.
Here’s how I’m doing it: I’ve chosen three of my seven core values to focus on this week. Every decision, every action, every interaction—I’ve used those values as my compass. It’s slowed me down from my usual 120 km/h pace, but it’s brought me a deep sense of alignment and authenticity.
- What do you truly stand for?
- How are those values showing up in your daily life?
- Where are you falling short—and what can you do to change that?
Here’s how I’m doing it: I’ve chosen three of my seven core values to focus on this week. Every decision, every action, every interaction—I’ve used those values as my compass. It’s slowed me down from my usual 120 km/h pace, but it’s brought me a deep sense of alignment and authenticity.
Living Your Values Starts With You
Values aren’t just for companies—they’re for individuals. When you start living your values—truly living them—you’ll feel the difference. You’ll lead with more clarity, build trust with others, and find a deeper sense of purpose.
So, write them down. Reflect on them. And start practicing them, one decision at a time.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Are you ready to stop chasing shiny coins and start living with intention?
Let this holiday season be the time you align with what truly matters.
