There is no doubt that forceful leadership seems to be enjoying a resurgence, particularly in politics and some of our largest global corporations. Is this, therefore, the time to put values aside?
I would argue it is the time to pick them up.
How can they help?
Firstly, if we face a challenging situation, then sometimes we have to make a decision that is a compromise rather than ideal. If we can make those decisions based on our values, that helps us at least know that we have maintained integrity.
When the world is shifting very fast around you and you find yourself unseated, unsettled – even slightly unhinged – you need something solid at the core from which to take guidance and advice. And if you cannot look up and out for it, then the place to look is in.
Being values-driven does not make you a wimp.
Let me make one thing clear: values do not have to be nice. Values have to be things which allow you to make choices that you can trust. And if the choices that you trust are based on things like money and growth and winning, then have those as values, by all means. If your purpose in the world is to improve your fortunes, to build your castle, then that is fine. That is your purpose.
What is fundamentally important here is that this stuff is true. If it is not true, you cannot look to it for advice. And from where do you take your advice then?
Finally, other people might choose to live apparently without values – although I would suggest that it often just means their values are at odds with yours. All values are not equal, and values are certainly not equally shared.
However, just because other people choose not to live by your values does not mean that you should abandon them. It means you should secure them. You should work with them. You should lean on them for support. You should big them up. You should fight their corner – and they will fight yours.
That is the power of values in a strongman era.