(I019) The Roots: (Part II) Grounded in Values
The Roots: Grounded in Values (Part II)
🌱 Living Your Values: A Way of Being, Not Just Words 🌱
A tree doesn’t grow strong just by acknowledging its roots—it must anchor deep, drawing nourishment from them. In leadership, as in life, values cannot simply be spoken; they must be embodied. To truly integrate values into who we are, they must become a way of being, not just words we say when it’s convenient. Just as a tree’s branches can only extend as far as its roots go deep, our leadership can only reach and influence to the extent that our values are truly ingrained. Each root represents a different value or skill, forming the foundation from which everything else grows.
🍃 Lessons from Japan: Values Lived, Not Just Taught 🍃
In Part I, we explored the idea that you cannot teach vulnerability if you do not have a root of vulnerability yourself. Authentic leadership is not about performance but about presence.
During my time teaching English in Japan, I gained insight into how deeply values can shape a culture. The Japanese educational philosophy places a strong emphasis on fostering traits such as independence, individual responsibility, perseverance, and imagination in students. These qualities are considered essential, reflecting a cultural inclination toward self-directness and personal accountability. These values are not simply taught—they are lived. They are embedded in the very fabric of daily interactions, societal expectations, and cultural rituals.
Through my experience in Japan, and through observing my mother, I came to recognize four values that are deeply ingrained in Japanese culture: humility, kindness, integrity, and accountability. These are not just ideals; they are ways of being.
🌿 Humility as a Way of Being 🌿 If you’ve ever watched a Japanese game show, you’ll notice that humility is embedded in their humour. Unlike Western humour, which often relies on sarcasm or wit, Japanese humour tends to be physical, playful, and self-deprecating. There is an understanding that laughter does not come at someone else’s expense but from a shared human experience. This extends into daily life—whether it’s the deep bow of gratitude, the careful choice of words to avoid causing offense, or the quiet diligence of an artist perfecting their craft.
📖 Ego Is the Enemy – Ryan Holiday: This book emphasizes how humility is essential for growth. Holiday argues that ego is often the greatest barrier to success and that true leaders remain students, always willing to learn and improve. Humility allows us to stay grounded and keep our focus on continuous development.
🌸 Kindness in Action 🌸 Kindness is not a grand gesture in Japan; it is in the smallest details. It is the shopkeeper who wraps your purchase carefully, the train station worker who helps you find your way, the unspoken rule of keeping public spaces clean. It is in the culture of omotenashi—wholehearted hospitality that anticipates needs before they are expressed. Kindness is a way of being, not just an occasional act.
📖 The Book of Joy – Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu: These two spiritual leaders explore how joy and kindness are interwoven. Their message reminds us that true joy comes from compassion and generosity, reinforcing the idea that kindness should be an integral part of leadership and life.
🗻 Integrity Rooted in Discipline 🗻 Integrity in Japan is visible in everything from the way business is conducted to the precision of craftsmanship. When a mistake is made, there is no excuse-making—there is ownership, reflection, and correction. Whether it’s a chef perfecting sushi over years of practice or an engineer meticulously refining a design, there is a commitment to doing things right, even when no one is watching.
📖 The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey: Covey stresses the importance of integrity as one of the fundamental habits of effective leadership. He teaches that aligning actions with principles builds trust and long-term success, making integrity a crucial value for any leader.
⛩ Accountability as a Cultural Norm ⛩ In Japan, accountability is not just an individual responsibility; it is communal. In workplaces, schools, and even neighborhoods, there is a collective sense of responsibility. The Japanese way of gaman (enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity) is a testament to this accountability. There is an understanding that each person’s actions impact the whole, and therefore, accountability is not just expected—it is ingrained.
📖 The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni: This book highlights how accountability is essential to teamwork and leadership. Lencioni explains that dysfunction arises when accountability is lacking, and strong leaders must foster an environment where responsibility and trust thrive.
🌳 Bringing It Back to Leadership 🌳 Are we living our values, or are they merely words on a corporate mission statement? If we want to extend the branches of connection, trust, and influence, we must first cultivate strong roots of humility, kindness, integrity, and accountability.
These values don’t grow overnight. Like roots, they require care, reflection, and deliberate effort. That’s why I created the GROUNDED framework—a simple exercise to help leaders deepen their strength and resilience.
G.R.O.U.N.D.E.D. Framework:
G - Grow Curiosity: Ask questions and approach life with wonder.
What excites you? When was the last time you allowed yourself to be truly curious? How can curiosity open new doors for your personal and professional growth?
R - Reflect on Values: Identify what matters most and let it guide you.
What are the core values that shape your decisions? Are you living in alignment with them, or do you need to make adjustments?
O - Own Your Story: Embrace your experiences, including the messy parts.
What challenges have shaped who you are today? How can you use your story to inspire and lead others?
U - Understand Others: Seek to understand perspectives different from your own.
When was the last time you truly listened without preparing a response? How can you cultivate deeper empathy and connection?
N - Nurture Resilience: Build your capacity to adapt and thrive.
How do you respond to setbacks? What strategies can you develop to strengthen your resilience in times of change?
D - Develop Awareness: Cultivate clarity about yourself and how others see you.
What feedback have you received recently? How do your actions and words impact those around you?
E - Embody Integrity: Align your actions with your values.
Are your daily choices reflecting your beliefs? Where can you improve in demonstrating integrity?
D - Deepen Empathy: Foster compassion for yourself and others.
How do you show kindness to yourself? How can you extend more understanding and support to those in your circle?
🍂 And So… The Key to Resilient and Thriving Leadership 🍂
Throughout this journey, we have uncovered the essential values that create strong, enduring leaders. In Part I, we explored courage, vulnerability, self-awareness, and perspective. Now, in Part II, we’ve expanded that foundation with kindness, integrity, and accountability.
However, the number of values that shape a leader is vast. Many influential intellects—the masterminds of values—have contributed to the wisdom of leadership. These are just a select few that I have studied among the many wise owls who have written about leadership and resilience. Their insights serve as a guiding force, supporting our ability to navigate challenges and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Like a tree that withstands the seasons, a resilient leader is deeply rooted in these values, allowing them to stand tall, adapt, and continue growing despite challenges. True leadership is not about power—it is about presence.
And so… how deep do your roots go?
And So
Resilient leadership begins long before the storm. It’s rooted in the quiet, deliberate work of cultivating courage, vulnerability, self-awareness, and perspective. These taproots are not just skills—they are the essence of the world’s most inspiring leaders.
As Brené Brown shows us, vulnerability builds trust and fosters innovation. Tasha Eurich’s research reminds us that self-awareness creates alignment and clarity. Even when faced with harsh conditions, the tree grows, deepening its roots and seeking strength from the unseen.
What are you doing today to nurture the roots that will sustain you tomorrow? If you’re ready to align your leadership with your values and unlock your potential, let’s connect.
👉 Book a free discovery call here 👈
Despite all odds, grow deeper. Lead stronger.
