The Compass Within: Bob Glazer on Defining Core Values for Authentic Leadership

In this episode, I discuss personal values with Bob Glazer, Founder, Chairman Of The Board at Acceleration Partners, and author of "The Compass Within." Bob emphasizes the importance of recognizing our values, especially during challenges, as they reveal our true beliefs. We explore his book's framework for identifying these core values, rooted in personal experiences. Bob introduces his "core validator" system to help articulate values effectively and shares strategies for integrating value-driven decisions in organizations. This conversation highlights how understanding our values enhances leadership, fosters authenticity, and leads to a more fulfilling life.

• Robert's Book: The Compass Within
• Barriers to Defining Values
• The Inner Critic
• Understanding the Inner Compass
• Decision-Making Frameworks
• Common Mistakes with Values

The Power and Purpose of Personal Values

In this episode, I sit down with Bob Glazer, Founder and Chairman of the Board at Acceleration Partners and author of The Compass Within, to explore the vital role personal values play in leadership and life. Bob explains that our values are most visible during moments of discomfort or conflict when our reactions reveal what we truly believe.

He encourages leaders to pay attention to tension or frustration as indicators of when a value may be compromised. Through practical examples, Bob illustrates how clearly defined values serve as a compass for better decision-making, stronger relationships, and greater fulfillment both personally and professionally.

The Book: Behind The Compass Within

Bob shares the inspiration and intent behind his latest book, The Compass Within. The book offers a structured yet personal framework for identifying and defining one’s core values. Drawing from years of coaching and collaboration with thousands of leaders, Bob explains how our deepest values often stem from formative life experiences, both the moments that shaped us and the ones that challenged us.

Through a blend of storytelling and practical strategy, Bob’s work guides readers to uncover their authentic drivers and align their leadership with what truly matters most. His “core validator” system provides a tangible process to ensure values are distinct, actionable, and easy to apply in real life.

📘 Get the Book: The Compass Within by Bob Glazer

Overcoming the Barriers to Defining Values

Allen’s description of accountability culture is characterized by the concept of “loving people up or loving them out.” This approach emphasizes understanding the reasons behind performance issues and ensuring effective communication of expectations. If a team member consistently falls short, the organization must either work to improve their performance or make the difficult choice to let them go. Moreover, Allen addresses the challenge many new managers face in holding their teams accountable. To mitigate this, she promotes reframing accountability as a supportive measure rather than an adversarial one. By helping staff recognize their strengths and aligning them with the organization's goals, managers can empower employees to take ownership of their roles and seek solutions on their own. Another key element of Allen's leadership style is the emphasis on individual autonomy and empowerment. She strongly believes in delegating decision-making tasks to her team, fostering an environment where employees feel confident to propose ideas and solutions. This respect for their capabilities not only drives self-motivation but also enhances overall company performance.

Living Your Compass: From Insight to Action

As we wrap up, Bob Glazer shares practical strategies for translating personal values into daily action. He explains how both indivi