It’s easy to talk about values when things are going well.
But what happens when sticking to those values comes with a cost—lost revenue, a difficult conversation, or the risk of pushback.
That’s when situational values start to sneak in.
Situational values are those convenient shifts we make when it feels easier to bend than to stand firm.
Maybe it’s skipping accountability to avoid confrontation, or compromising integrity for short-term gain. These little shifts may smooth things over in the moment, but they undermine trust, consistency, and the very foundation of your leadership over time.
The biggest problem? Other people see it.
It sends a message: This leader can’t be relied on to stand for what they say they believe.
When our values are negotiable, our leadership becomes unpredictable—and few things erode trust faster than inconsistency.
💡Great leadership starts with clarity of values.💡
When your values are rock-solid, they act like a compass. They help you make decisions, inspire trust, and create a culture where people feel safe, aligned and committed.
Ask yourself:
🧐 Are your values clear enough that your team knows what you stand for, even when you’re not in the room?
🧐 Have you reflected on where your principles might be wavering when things get tough?
When you honor your values—especially when it’s inconvenient—you send a powerful message: This is who I am. This is what I stand for. And this is the kind of culture we’re building together.
📌 What’s one value you admire most in the leaders you look up to?
P.S. If you’re interested in getting clear on your values as a leader, check out my free Core Values worksheet.
