Values I am grateful for…

I recently addressed 150 young women from around Australia and New Zealand as part of an AGSA   leadership conference held at Sydney University. In preparing for the event I was asked to consider sharing the values I see as important to leadership and service. I thought about the values my parents had instilled in me, and while there are many, these are the ones I chose to share with the girls over dinner.

Values I am grateful for:

APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE: Of and for the people in my life and the opportunities that are afforded me. This gratitude blog is partly a way to demonstrate both values.

EMPATHY: My parents instilled in me the value of empathy and to always understand that not everyone is as fortunate as I am. That old saying ‘walk a mile in someone else’s shoes’ is a reminder to put yourself in the position of someone you might otherwise find yourself criticising – especially if you hadn’t considered their life circumstances or you don't understand why they are behaving (or not behaving) a certain way.

DIGNITY: My mother has taught me to remain dignified a tall times, especially in public forums. I reminded the young women that places like Facebook and Twitter are the classic forums for potential leaders to come undone. I encouraged them to use their status updates and comments to empower, inspire and motivate, because there is absolutely nothing dignified about running people down and / or bitching about people on social media.

TRUST AND FAITH: First and foremost trust in your own judgement and have faith in your capacity to do what’s right for, and to your best ability.

I am also grateful for the value of optimism that was instilled in me by my parents, for it is the positive approach to every day that keeps a spring in my step (most days!) and makes me enthusiastic about what I do (and can do) in life.

What values are you grateful for?