Dare to Lead

Brown admits that during challenging periods she can be tempted to revert to the “four p’s” of perfecting, proving, performing, and pleasing to try to defend herself from criticism (185). She calls our personal values a “North Star” that guide us in difficult times (186). Brown reminds the reader that living our values is different than simply believing in them in our heads. The first step is explicitly identifying what our values are and remembering that they should not change based on whether we are in a personal or work setting. She provides the reader with a list of dozens of values, including freedom, excellence, accountability, altruism, etc. (188). Brown instructs the reader to choose two values from the list which they feel reflect their priorities in their personal and professional lives. These values should be a core part of your identity as well as a filter you use to make your best decisions.

According to Brown, the next step of living your values is “Taking Values From BS to Behavior” (188). She notes that only ten percent of organizations she has worked with have communicated their values in “teachable and observable” ways (190). Brown warns that if you cannot communicate your values and help your employees build the skill set to practice them, they will lose meaning.