Your core values are the invisible forces behind every people management decision you make.

Values aren't just nice words on a wall. They're the non-negotiable principles that guide your choices as a manager, especially when dealing with difficult employee situations.

Engagement Message

In one word, what principle would you never compromise on when managing people?

Here's why values matter: when your direct reports see you making decisions that align with your stated values, they trust you. When they don't, trust erodes quickly.

Your values also create your expectations of employees. If you value accountability, you'll be frustrated by direct reports who don't take ownership.

Engagement Message

In one sentence, recall a time a manager said one thing but did another.

Let's explore common people management values. Integrity means treating all employees fairly even when no one is watching.

Managers who value integrity are consistent in performance feedback, admit their management mistakes openly, and hold themselves to the same standards they expect from direct reports.

Engagement Message

On a 1–10 scale, how crucial is maintaining fairness with all employees?

Excellence is about consistently supporting high-quality work and helping employees develop their best performance.

Excellence-driven managers set high standards but can sometimes create stress if employees feel their efforts are never recognized as "good enough."

Engagement Message

Do you tend to push employees toward perfection or accept "good enough" performance?

Collaboration means believing that diverse team perspectives and inclusive decision-making produce better outcomes than top-down management.

Collaborative managers seek employee input, share recognition generously, but might struggle when quick, unilateral personnel decisions are needed.