It’s challenging to be a leader in a time when contradictions are the norm. These days, leaders are bombarded with a culture that’s at odds with itself; the loudest voices shouting the most extreme ideas are aggressively competing with those striving to foster real clarity and connection. It’s like trying to stand firm on a rocky beach with the tides pulling at your feet from all sides. It’s easy to lose your balance, wondering which direction you should go next.

Now, throw in businesses chasing profits at any cost, hyper-masculine corporate cultures, and values being tossed out the window to fit into a world that doesn’t seem to know where it’s going. You’re constantly asked to play a game you didn’t sign up for, holding your ground in a world where values seem to be constantly in flux. Not so fun stuff!

The One Word Solution

Alignment. Specifically, alignment that starts with internal consistency, where your actions, your words, and your values all match up. That’s what the business world needs right now. 

No more “win at all costs” thinking. No more disregard for tomorrow’s consequences of today’s choices. No more ignoring your inner voice shouting “stop this!” It’s about integrity. It’s about being consistent with yourself and your values, even when society pushes you in a different direction. Yes, it’s tough. You’re tougher.

• Where do you feel tension between what you want and what’s being demanded of you?

• When have you compromised your values to get ahead? How did that make you feel?

• What’s one thing you can do today to get back in alignment with your true self?

The Bagel Story

Jim was managing a store at Einstein’s Bagels, a company that wasn’t exactly love-powered but wasn’t waging war either. Jim made one thing clear: his people came first. Regardless of the corporate pressure, Jim believed in treating employees with respect and authenticity. 

His store flourished, and customers felt the love. When Jim moved up the ranks, the community threw him a farewell party, complete with cake and cards. That’s the power of internal alignment. When you live your values, everything falls into place, including profits.

Alignment in a World of Polarities

Yes, you want to be true to yourself. And let’s be honest: the world is pushing back. The good news is that if you’re tired of the divisiveness and contradictions, that means you’re hearing them loud and clear. 

Sure, it would be a lot easier to tell yourself that lying about your numbers is a little acceptable, or that screwing over the competition is just part of the game. But that’s the road to nowhere. 

You’ve got to stay aligned. That’s the only way you’re going to win in the long run and still be you. [For more, there’s a whole chapter on alignment in my book The Amare Wave: Uplift Your Business by Putting Love to Work.]

Here are five action steps to help you stay aligned, stay true to yourself, and reach the finish line without compromising your values.

5 Amare Action Steps to Get Aligned and Stay Aligned

1. Clarify your core values. Get real about what matters to you. No fluff. Write it down. Post it on your desk, computer, and phone. Look at it every day. 

2. Align your actions with your words. This is the gold standard, people. No more saying one thing and doing another. Lead by example, even when no one’s watching. 

3. Check your internal compass. Before big decisions, take a beat and ask: “Is this in line with who I am and what I stand for?” If you tighten up inside, that’s a clue that something’s off.

4. Set boundaries and stick to them. Draw the line somewhere. Be clear about your boundaries, communicate them, and—here’s the hard part—don’t backpedal when the pressure’s on.

5. Build a leadership team that shares your values. Your team makes the culture. Make sure they share your core values. Here’s a resource to help everyone get on the same page.

The Best Antidote is You Being True to You

Living in alignment with your values is the antidote to the chaos and contradictions around us. By staying true to your values and aligning your words and actions with them, you pave the way for sustainable success. It’s not easy, but it’s the only way to build a business that lasts and is good for the world—one rooted in love, respect, and authenticity.

 So, don’t settle for the shortcut or buy the hype. Don’t let fear push you around. Stay aligned, lead from the inside out, and watch the magic unfold.

Please be you!

Moshe

Flourish as a Leader with the “Strong Start” Coaching Program

Consider my “Strong Start” 3-month coaching program as a low-risk, high-value way to grow and flourish as a whole leader. For more information, contact me here.

   

Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote

“To thine own self be true.” 

— William Shakespeare

   

Click here and read more Amare Wave Wednesday newsletters on related topics:

Do NOT Negotiate Your Non-Negotiables! How to Stay True to Your Word as an Amare Love-Powered Leader

The Cost of Winning at All Costs: Business as War vs. Business as Love

Stand by Your Values—How to Meet Today’s Chaos with Clarity

Less Words, More Impact: Exercise Your Leadership Power by Being Clear and Concise

10 Simple Actions for Putting Love to Work in Business & Life

   

Original article published on Inc.com.