Organizational leaders will greatly benefit when they understand the set of values that influence how they lead. Below are two simple steps I use when coaching leadership values:

Coaching Leadership Values Step #1: Brain Dump:Start by having your leader do a brain dump based on the questions below. A brain dump exercise is a great starting point for those who are more self-aware. It requires more thought from the client, but will yield richer, more personalized value statements that cover the breadth of one’s life. If the results of the Brain Dump need some extra fleshing out, simply refer the person back to a word choice list for more ideas.

“What are the four or five most important values that guide the way you lead?” “What are your non-negotiables?” “What are the foundational principles your decisions are based on?”

Coaching Leadership Values Step #2: Check the List:Show the leader the following list. Have them pick out just the items that strike them as most important for the way they lead, jotting down words and phrases that describe their values in that area.

1. The place of scripture

2. Single vs. multiple leadership, teamwork, feedback

3. Decision-making process

4. Interfacing with the culture

5. Relationships and their value

6. Leadership style: empowering, directing, collaborating, etc.

7. Gifting and leadership

8. The poor, the outcast, the less-fortunate

9. Evangelism/missions/community involvement

10. Discipleship/spiritual growth/maturity

11. Authority

12. Training and development

13. Lifestyle

14. Servanthood

15. Roles: of lay people, women

16. Creativity, innovation, change

17. Unity, restoration, reconciliation, diversity

18. Truth, integrity

19. Excellence

20. Authenticity, openness

Tony Stoltzfus is a best-selling author, leadership coach, master coach trainer and director of the Leadership Metaformation Institute. Additional information on this topic can be found in Tony’s book, The Christian Life Coaching Handbook.