A broad range of skills and experience are needed for executive leadership - but what about the influence of values on career decisions? Veronique Elskens, Managing Director at Robert Half’s Executive Search Practice, explores why they are pivotal – and need to be understood.

How do personal values and motivators influence decision making? While skills and experience will always matter for executive leadership, what motivates them will heavily influence career decisions. Just because two people have similar experience, it doesn’t mean they are right for the same job. We often see aspiring c-suite leaders taking on other roles, even after years of effort, because they realise an executive role doesn’t feel right.

At the outset, aspiring leaders should therefore consider intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, leadership values, and business ethics. Because together, they will play a pivotal role in their success – and the success of others.

Related: The three c-suite skills that matter most | Robert Half UK

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivators

Intrinsic values are crucial for motivation and engagement. Challenge, learning, and responsibility are important because they bring emotional rewards; family relationships and friendships also influence decisions about integrating and maintaining work-life balance and flexibility. Extrinsic values are those received in exchange for effort: the higher earnings of a c-suite role, alongside pension, benefits, and recognition.

If there is a mismatch between someone’s intrinsic and extrinsic values, and the demands of their role, they will feel internal conflict. This could lead to them changing role, even if their skills and experience are closely matched to the opportunity.

Leadership influence and shared values

C-suite executives have a major impact on the wellbeing of their teams. When relationships are positive, it’s because leaders respect everyone’s skills, but also their values. If leaders understand what drives people, employees will play to their strengths and be happier at work.

This awareness can help employees avoid taking a role that conflicts with their values and what motivates them. They can progress in a direction that is right for them, and the people around them, too.

Related: What executive leadership skills are vital right now | Robert Half UK

Business ethics and values matter

Businesses talk about values such as honesty, integrity, commitment and putting their customers first. They often promote volunteering opportunities, donate profits to social causes, and raise money for charity. But if these values are just written and not role-modelled, then aspiring leaders will leave.

Just like intrinsic and extrinsic values, business ethics and values will heavily influence recruitment and retention. If there is a match between what’s said, and what’s experienced, it will be easier to keep the right people.

Knowledge, experience, skills– and values

Knowledge, experience and skills will always matter for executive leaders, but their values often impact career decisions. Appreciating the values of others will influence how teams perform, and aligning those with business ideals will help to unlock everyone’s potential.

 

Read Robert Half’s 2023 Boardroom Navigator report to find out more.