Turning Values Into Action

Overview

On this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host John Jantsch talks with Robert Glazer, founder of Acceleration Partners, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. Robert’s new book, The Compass Within, focuses on identifying, clarifying, and living your core values in work and life. He explains why many people and companies mislabel values, how to move past one-word slogans, and how real values guide behavior you can see and measure. If you want to lead with purpose and stop drifting, you will find a clear process for naming and using your true north.

About the Guest

Robert Glazer is a global thought leader and the founder of Acceleration Partners, a partner marketing agency. He writes the popular Friday Forward newsletter and is the author of books including Elevate. His latest book, The Compass Within, uses a story and framework to help you uncover and apply the values that drive lasting results.

Website: https://www.robertglazer.com
Book: https://compass-within.com
Values Exercise: https://robertglazer.com/six
Newsletter: Friday Forward (subscribe at https://www.robertglazer.com/friday-forward)

Actionable Insights

Most people struggle to name their real values, because true values are not one-word labels. They are clear behaviors you can act on and measure.
Personal values and company values differ, yet both must be specific enough to guide tough choices and daily actions.
Many values come from formative moments, sometimes painful ones. People tend to move toward or away from what shaped them.
Clarifying values is not wishful thinking. Look for patterns in when you thrive, when you struggle, how you show up, and what consistently frustrates you.
Effective values drive decisions. You should be able to review performance or make a hard call using them, not just hang them on a wall.
Words like family or integrity are common, but often too broad. Dig for the concrete principle underneath, such as be present at key moments or tell the truth even when it hurts.
Leadership flows from values. Self-awareness turns strengths into reliable assets and keeps blind spots from becoming liabilities.
Compass drift happens when you stop checking and realigning your values. Regular reflection keeps you on course.
Values-based choices may cost you in the short term, yet they build trust, culture, and long-term performance.
Try Robert’s six-question exercise at https://robertglazer.com/six to surface your core values.

Episode Highlights

01:14: Why most values books miss the mark, and how to define values as observable behaviors instead of vague labels.

Turning Values Into Action