5 Core Values Every Great Leader Lives By

In a world full of noise and shifting expectations, what sets truly great leaders apart?

It’s not charisma. It’s not a title. And it’s definitely not perfection.

It’s character. Built on the foundation of values that don’t waiver when things get hard.

As I share in my podcast Leadership and Growth Fireside and my upcoming book The Gears of Leadership, strong leadership is like a finely tuned machine—it’s powered by clarity, action, and purpose. But underneath all that movement, you’ll find five core values that never go out of style:

1. Integrity

Do what’s right—even when no one’s watching. Integrity is the foundation of trust. Without it, influence is temporary.

2. Courage

Great leaders move forward, even when the outcome is uncertain. Courage doesn’t eliminate fear—it walks with it.

3. Humility

True leadership isn’t about being the smartest in the room. It’s about being teachable, approachable, and willing to grow.

4. Consistency

People don’t follow leaders who are unpredictable. They follow leaders who show up steady, stable, and reliable—day after day.

5. Purpose

Purpose turns pressure into meaning. It’s the “why” that fuels the “what.” Without it, leadership becomes exhausting.

Want to leave a legacy? Start with values. They’re not flashy, but they’re unforgettable.

Greg Cannon