Module 2: Learning Content

4. Exploring Your Values

Why Values Matter

Values are the principles and beliefs that guide your decisions and behaviour.

For leaders, values:

• Provide a foundation for decision-making

• Help create consistency and trust

• Shape how others see and respond to you

When your leadership aligns with your values, it often feels more authentic and sustainable.

Common Leadership Values

Here are some examples of values that often show up in leadership:

• Fairness → treating people consistently and ethically

• Creativity → finding new solutions to challenges

• Teamwork → prioritising collaboration and shared success

• Independence → valuing autonomy and personal responsibility

• Innovation → driving change and improvement

• Honesty → being transparent and trustworthy

• Adaptability → adjusting well to new situations

Remember: Different leaders emphasise different values. There’s no single “right” set of values.

Your Personal Top Values

Reflection activity:

1. Look at the list of values above.

2. Write down the three values that matter most to you personally.

3. For each value, note an example of when you lived by that value in your work, studies, or personal life.

Use your Leadership Journal (downloadable template provided) to capture your thoughts.

Linking Values to Leadership

Think about this question:

“If someone described your leadership style in three words, would those words reflect your values?”

By making your values visible in how you lead, you increase trust and consistency—and create a leadership identity that feels true to who you are.

Optional Learning: Complete the VIA Character Strengths Survey and get to know your greatest strengths.