Turning Values Into Action

Overview

On this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, John Jantsch welcomes back bestselling author, keynote speaker, and Acceleration Partners founder Robert Glazer. Robert’s new book, “The Compass Within,” explores how to identify, clarify, and truly live your core values—in leadership and life. Robert shares why most people and companies get values wrong, how to go beyond one-word platitudes, and why real values are actionable, measurable, and often forged in formative experiences. If you want to stop drifting and lead with purpose, this episode offers a practical framework for finding your true north.

Robert Glazer is a globally recognized thought leader, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and founder of Acceleration Partners, a leading partner marketing agency. He’s known for his Friday Forward newsletter and books including “Elevate.” His latest, “The Compass Within,” is a parable and framework for discovering and applying the values that drive lasting personal and organizational success.

• Website: robertglazer.com
• Book: compass-within.com
• Values Exercise: robertglazer.com/six
• Newsletter: Friday Forward

• Most people struggle to name or define their true values—because real values aren’t one-word platitudes, but actionable, measurable behavioral principles.
• Personal values are distinct from company values, but both must be clear enough to guide real-life decisions and withstand high-stakes situations.
• Values are often forged in formative, sometimes painful, experiences—most people orient toward or away from something in their past.
• Clarifying values isn’t about aspiration; it’s about uncovering patterns in when you thrive (or struggle), how you show up in relationships, and what frustrates you deeply.
• Effective values are tangible: You should be able to review performance or make tough choices based on them—not just list them on a wall or website.
• “Family” and “integrity” are common but often fail the test—dig deeper to find the actionable principle behind them.
• Leadership is shaped by values: Self-awareness turns strengths into superpowers and prevents your blind spots from becoming weaknesses.
• Compass drift—slowly sliding away from your values—often happens when you don’t clarify and re-align; success comes from continual reflection and realignment.
• Values-aligned decisions often cost something in the short term, but build stronger culture, trust, and performance in the long term.
• Try Robert’s six-question exercise (robertglazer.com/six) to begin surfacing your true values.

• 01:14 – Why Most Values Books Get It Wrong
  The difference between one-word “values” and real, actionable principles.
• 02:37 – Why a Parable?
  How storytelling makes finding and applying values more relatable and practical.
• 04:53 – The Family and Integrity Trap
  Why these common values often fail—and how to dig deeper.
• 07:36 – Making Values Measurable
  How to move from platitudes to performance reviews and real-world decisions.
• 09:32 – Are Values Baked or Built?
  How formative experiences shape your core values, and when they can change.
• 12:38 – Leadership and Self-Awareness
  How unexamined values drive (or sabotage) your leadership and relationships.
• 16:58 – From Rudderless to Aligned
  Robert’s personal story of how clarifying values fueled business and personal growth.
• 19:00 – Values Gone Wrong: Lessons from Corporate Scandals
  Why misaligned or fake values can sink entire companies.
• 21:13 – The Cost (and Power) of Values-Based Decisions
  Why standing for your values can be hard—but is essential for long-term success.

“Real values are actionable and measurable—they help you make the hardest decisions, not just the easy ones.”

“Most people’s values are formed in response to their formative years—either doubling down on what worked or rebelling against what didn’t.”

“Leadership is shaped by values; self-awareness lets you turn strengths into superpowers and avoid turning them into liabilities.”

“Saying no or making hard calls based on your values costs something in the short term, but pays off in trust and culture.”

“If you can’t objectively rate yourself on a value, it isn’t really guiding your choices.”