Leadership isn’t just about what we say—it’s about what we do. Recently, I had a powerful conversation with Thomas Ramstad, a fellow leadership expert from Norway. We dived into the real stuff that matters in leadership today. We discussed bringing corporate values to life, focusing on humility, trust, vulnerability, and leading by example.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅Humility is a must-have for fostering open, inclusive conversations.
✅Trust is the foundation of any innovative and resilient team.
✅Genuine personal connections matter more than ever in our hybrid work environments.
✅Embracing vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength.
✅Turning values into action is non-negotiable for authentic leadership.
In today’s world, where leadership is evolving faster than ever, there’s an increasing need to bridge the gap between what we say and do. This was the crux of a recent conversation between two leadership voices—Thomas Ramstad from Norway and myself, Yoke van Dam from South Africa. We discussed how leaders can embody their corporate values, focusing on humility, trust, vulnerability, and leading by example. Here’s a digest of our insights aimed at leaders passionate about fostering a culture where values aren’t just words on a wall but are lived daily.
Why Humility Matters in Leadership
I asked Thomas why he believes humility is so crucial for leaders today. He shared that in many cultures, the most respected leaders have historically been those who naturally embrace humility—think of wise elders who mediate conflicts with patience and understanding. Humility allows leaders to listen, consider different perspectives, and make well-rounded decisions. In our fast-paced, results-driven environments, showing humility can open the door to more inclusive and innovative discussions within our teams.
Building Trust is Non-Negotiable
Trust is the bedrock of any successful organization. Thomas pointed out that without trust, teams become stagnant. Problems aren’t discussed, and creativity is stifled. He gave a powerful example from the aviation industry, where the absence of psychological safety led to disastrous results. This story drives home the point: when we remove unnecessary hierarchies and create spaces where people feel safe to speak up, we solve problems more effectively and unleash our teams’ full potential.
Leading with a Personal Touch
The human touch matters more than ever in our hybrid and remote work reality. Thomas shared how he used to drive out to his team members’ homes during the pandemic to chat while walking. This wasn’t about monitoring work but showing genuine interest in their well-being. It’s a simple yet powerful way to build relationships and trust. So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we genuinely engaging with our teams, or are we just ticking boxes?
The Strength in Vulnerability
Vulnerability can often be misunderstood as weakness, but as Thomas articulated, it’s quite the opposite. When leaders are open about their challenges, it creates a safe space for others to do the same. Acknowledging these challenges is critical, whether a personal issue or a professional hurdle. Why? Because unresolved personal issues will inevitably impact work performance. Embracing vulnerability helps us address these challenges openly and fosters a culture where people support one another.
From Values to Action
Thomas and I both agree that values without action are meaningless. As leaders, we must embody the values we wish to see. If integrity is a corporate value, then integrity should be evident in everything we do—from handling small daily tasks to navigating major business decisions. It’s not just about what’s written in the company handbook; it’s about how we show up daily. Consistency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any substantial culture.
Making Values Tangible Through Training
One practical way to align actions with values is through training that goes beyond theory. Thomas highlighted a great example with ABB’s “Fleck University,” where employees faced realistic scenarios that required them to apply the company’s values in decision-making. This immersive training makes values real, helping employees see how they play out daily. We should aim to create similar experiences where the values are not just abstract concepts but interwoven into our daily operations’ fabric.
Live the Values
Effective leadership is about living the values you preach. By being humble, building trust, connecting personally, embracing vulnerability, and turning values into actions, we can shape organizations where people thrive, innovate, and drive success.
As leaders, our role is not just to talk about values but to be the first to live them out. When we do this, we inspire our teams to do the same, creating a cohesive and resilient organization ready to tackle whatever the future holds.
In the end, it’s about more than just leadership. It’s about leading with heart, integrity, and a genuine commitment to making our values real daily.
Listen to the episode on YouTube here.
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