The article “Personal Values and Corporate Strategy” explains how a leader’s personal values shape the direction and priorities of an organization, which can be seen in both outdoor education and corporate examples. In an outdoor adventure education career, this idea directly influences how programs are designed and managed. My own values such as teamwork, respect for nature, and personal growth would shape the types of experiences I create for participants and how I define success beyond financial outcomes. For instance, I might emphasize safety, inclusion, and environmental stewardship even if it meant limiting group sizes or profits. This shows that leadership in this field isn’t just about efficiency or business outcomes, it’s about staying true to the values that motivate and inspire both educators and participants.

The article also connects well with the ideas in the NOLS Leadership Educator Notebook, which emphasizes that self-awareness and core values are essential to effective leadership in outdoor settings. Both sources highlight that decision-making should reflect who we are as people and what we stand for. Instructors who understand their own ethics and priorities are better equipped to lead groups, manage risk, and create meaningful learning experiences. 

Similarly, the company REI provides a real-world example of how personal and organizational values can guide business strategy. REI’s “Opt Outside” campaign closing stores on Black Friday so employees and customers can spend time outdoors shows how the company’s leaders prioritize community and environmental well-being over profit. Overall, both the article and these examples reinforce that authentic leadership is grounded in personal values, and when those values align with an organization’s mission, they create a more positive and purpose-driven impact on people and the environment.

Guth, W. D., & Tagiuri, R. (1965). Personal values and corporate strategy. Harvard Business Review, 43(5), 123–132.