Know Your Worth: A Leadership Lesson in Value and Context

A timeless story illustrates a profound leadership truth:

A father gave his son a 200-year-old watch. At a jewelry shop, the watch was valued at $150. At a pawn shop, only $10. But at a museum, it was recognized as a priceless antique worth $500,000.

The lesson? Value is context-dependent...

In leadership, the same is true. Our skills, vision, and presence are not equally valued in every environment.

Too often, leaders underestimate their own worth because they remain in places that cannot see their true contribution.

Science confirms this. Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) and Gallup’s global engagement research show that environments that recognize and nurture people’s strengths significantly improve resilience, creativity, and performance. When leaders and teams feel valued, they don’t just survive — they thrive.

Practical takeaway for leaders:

• Know your worth and choose environments where it is recognized.
• Recognize and amplify the unique value of those you lead.
• Build cultures where people’s authentic strengths are celebrated.

Because when value is seen, people rise.

#KnowYourWorth #ResilientLeadership#LeadershipDevelopment

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Photo Credit: fizkes from istockphoto.com