5 values that show you what it’s like to work with this Comms Legend

Whether you call them brand values, company values, core values, or simply,  your ‘values’, if you know what they are they can become the guiding principles for everything you do in your business. For me, that means I’m always aiming to reflect them in how I work, what I offer, and how I communicate.

So, these are the five values that show you what you can expect when you’re working with, communicating and connecting with me.

Insight

I’m a naturally curious and inquisitive human and love to listen and observe. Uncovering detail, discovering differences, and gaining new awareness and understanding of what’s going on with people motivates me and keeps me growing and learning. 

I’m turned on by solving problems, taking on challenges and simplifying and articulating anything complex.

I also love a bit of data-based decision-making.

Sincerity

I am genuine. I mean what I say and I say what I mean (except when my words get muddled, but that’s another story!). I love the dictionary definition of sincerity:

‘the absence of pretence, deceit, or hypocrisy.’

I aim for as much openness, honesty and transparency as possible and believe in the power of truth. I’m known for being pretty direct - with kindness - and appreciate candidness in others. My Mum would tell you that, even as a kid, I would say that I liked “real” people.

Being calm, clear, and concise feel like my ever-present goals.

Accountability

I believe in taking ownership and responsibility for my actions and communications. I fundamentally believe all great leaders need these qualities. 

I get fired up by anything that needs me to take action based on proactive, thorough, detailed planning and prioritisation that can be easily explained and understood. Folk have said that I’m, “meticulous to the max”, and that I, “work with next level diligence and a big heart”.

The big ambitions and aspirations I have for myself, my people and the world keep me going and give me the drive to show up everyday.

Inclusion

I’m continuously working to understand the impact of my actions and communications and reduce any potential harm I may cause others, no matter my intentions. Beyond this (which I feel is the least we should all be doing), connection and community are vital to me, which also means helping people who could otherwise feel lost or excluded to feel part of something. 

This also means I aim to be flexible to meet people’s needs and will adapt my approach to help people feel comfortable and at ease (while staying true to my values). Mutual respect and appreciation are essential to me in all things.

I have my arms wide open. It’s at my very core. So I won’t tolerate homophobic, racist, sexist, ableist comments and views. It’s okay to be learning, it’s okay to make mistakes, but for me it’s never okay to purposefully make comments or express views that may harm communities. My belief in people being able to freely live their fullest lives without fear or retribution is one of the most fundamental aspects of who I am. I cannot ever express that strongly enough.

I make efforts to check my privilege, but I’m always learning. If I say or do something that doesn’t sit well, please tell me, I will always want to listen.

I am working on ensuring my work, services and offerings are accessible. I use the tools available and refer to experts to stay on top of people’s needs, as well as proactively asking my people about their needs. I use Plain English, avoiding where possible or explaining any jargon.

Expression

Freedom of expression, self expression, creative expression - these things feel like the why behind my why. I believe in a world where we are all able to live our own one unique and beautiful life in all of its fullest colour. I would struggle to understand someone who didn’t want to see more beauty in the world. 

Expression enriches our life experience. It compels and engages us; it is belief and recognition.

I have worked hard to be the courageous, brave, bold, and audacious woman I am today. I will never again leave myself at the office door -  you get all of me, which includes all the ways I choose to express myself.

So those are the five values I put at the heart of everything I do.

Are you clear on your values?

Are you sharing them with people? Do you use them in your communications and to help you connect with your right fit folk?

Knowing your values can help you make decisions in your work, stick to your boundaries and avoid old mistakes. They can help shape your stories and everything you share in your marketing and communications. Your values help define what you stand for and bring your beliefs to life in your day-to-day activities.

When you feel clear and grounded in your values it becomes easier to shape your work so everything you do is aligned to what’s most important to you, rather than having to react and respond to things as they appear. And when you can clearly and confidently share your values it helps you step increasingly more into who you want to be in your work and feel increasingly more comfortable showing up with all you have to offer. And all of that helps you build connection, trust, advocacy and loyalty with your customers, clients and partners.

I’ll be sharing more about values in future articles on the blog. If you fancy reading those, along with more helpful communication and connection hints and tips, you might enjoy my Honest Words email letters, where I also share truthful stories about getting clear, gaining confidence and building connection, plus cool things from creative folk and organisations.