This is a post prompted by the anniversary of the attacks on the United States on 9/11/01.

While that was a tragedy of epic proportions, many good things happened in the days and weeks that followed, not the least of which was that people across the United States became more aware of their values.  The events forced them to look at the things they hold most dear and re-evaluate their lives and their actions.

As leaders we must do this.  We must reflect on our values, act from them, and live in accordance with them. . .

. . . But only if we want to be truly effective.

Values are the basis for the most important leadership communication and the most effective leadership influence.  It is equally important for those in executive leadership and for first line supervisors.

Just because this isn’t a topic typically discussed in most leadership development training, doesn’t make it less important.  Perhaps because it isn’t on the agenda of supervisor training or most other leadership development programs, it becomes even more important.

On the occasion of another anniversary – this one of the publishing of The Pledge of Allegiance, I wrote a post about how to reflect on your values and keep them more firmly in your mind – so a tragedy isn’t required to jolt us to reflection.

I hope you will read it, and follow the recommendations.

Your personal effectiveness is at stake – and your leadership skills will benefit from reading it and taking action.

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

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