You need a good set of core values. “Values” – a Middle English word with a French root that comes from the concept of valor. Values (valor) are the attributes that give strength and honor to the character. Memorize this:
Values drive principles, principles guide decisions, decisions become policies, policies dictate actions, and actions produce results.
Everything starts with core values. Your values are the individual components of your character. Character matters, above all. Character trumps everything, including wealth and happiness, and it ultimately triumphs in every worthwhile endeavor. Your character is your last word, your lasting legacy, and your final defense. Your character is who you really are when no one is looking. It’s who God knows you to be, and a good character satisfies like little else in life.
Values
Mine come from my Christian faith. Honesty, faithfulness, excellence, self-discipline, industry, personal responsibility, diligence, self-control, generosity, and hard work, to name several. If you do not have a good set of values, then your business, personal, and spiritual life will founder and will eventually end in shipwreck. If you’re not a religious person, you may already be developing a distaste, and perhaps even a distrust, of this post and my blog. But, let me ask you to keep your prejudices in check, and give this material a chance. There is value here for you.
Values Drive Principles
If honesty, for example, is a core value for you (and it should be), then tell the truth. It’s really that simple. Telling the truth is a principal. Resolve to tell the truth in every area of life. If you become a truth teller, you will be respected and trusted. And, more importantly, it’s the right thing to do.
Principles: Rules of the Game
Break the rules, and you may find yourself ejected from the game. Follow the rules and win. Tell the truth. Keep your promises. Work hard. Treat people with dignity and respect. Set a high bar. Demand excellence from yourself and others. These are some of the life-defining principles I will explore throughout this blog. I will also explore some lesser-known principles, such as “Don’t Use the Boss’s Brain!” and “Hire Attitudes, Teach Skills.” Every principle I share will apply to you right now, right where you are.
Great point. Many clients I have inherited from other advisors love me not for my keen financial wisdom but because they trust me. A strong moral compass is a necessity to be a top producer.
“Values drive principles, principles guide decisions, decisions become policies, policies dictate actions, and actions produce results.” This was one of the most empowering comments I had ever heard. I realized that if I know the values of my advisor, the rest just makes sense. I can ask myself, “does what I am about to do or say support the values we hold here?” If it does, my decisions are sound and supported. If it does not, I know that I need to look for a different action or decision.
The Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Values and principles, are very important, especially in this business. Clients do tend to judge you. Trust is very important, no matter if its business or personal. Once you realize someone has lied to you, will you ever believe anything they say? So, yes values and principles are a reflection on you and the firm.
Treat others the way you want to be treated. Love your neighbor as yourself. Do this and acquiring new clients will be no problem. Referrals will be yours!
Someone asked me recently why I had not aspired to a certain status in the corporate hierarchy that I participate in on a daily basis. I replied that I have values, principles and a moral compass that is in direct contradiction to that corporate hierarchy. It was not always that way or at least seemed to be better or different in the past. Things change or maybe I have gotten wiser to the point that I can see people and things for who and what they really are. I believe I have found myself in the midst of an organization where I do not belong unless the will of God has me there for a reason.
What made King David extraordinary was not his perfection — because he was fully human, and thus demonstratively flawed — but the fact that he had the desire and genuine willingness to continually reshape his character to reflect the heart of God. What makes Senior Partners extraordinary is not that its people are necessarily perfect, but that it has chosen to populate its practice with a team of Davids, people who are committed to developing right character. That pursuit of virtue has, and will continue to, set Senior Partners apart as a company with a more lasting legacy in the life of the community.
This is true. We can modify behavior but it will not change the source of that behavior. If the values are right, all other disciplines will follow. The actions will flow from the heart.