Leadership is often compared to a dance, where every movement reflects the intricate interplay of relationships, decision-making, and communication. Just as dancers must be mindful of both their own steps and their partner’s, effective leaders must navigate their actions in sync with their teams and the broader organizational dynamics.

In this dance of leadership, movements can shift from fluid and graceful to uncertain and discordant. Mastering leadership requires balance—knowing when to take the lead and when to follow, when to assert ego and when to be guided by core values.

Few dances illustrate this dynamic more vividly than the tango. This passionate, intricate dance demands deep connection, requiring both strength and sensitivity. Similarly, in leadership, the tension between ego and values plays a critical role.

When leaders allow ego to dominate, the dance becomes chaotic, leading to disconnection and mistrust. But when they lead with integrity, empathy, and authenticity, they create a harmonious collaboration—one that inspires, engages, and elevates everyone involved.

Ego can be a powerful yet unpredictable partner in the dance of leadership. When left unchecked, it can lead to a self-serving mindset, reinforcing the subconscious belief that success depends on recognition, control, and validation. In these moments, the rhythm of collaboration falters, creating disengagement and mistrust—even when leaders have no intention of undermining their teams.

At the same time, a healthy ego has its place. It fuels confidence, assertiveness, and the ability to take decisive action. The real challenge is balance—ensuring ego doesn’t take over the dance floor and drown out the deeper values that foster trust, connection, and shared success.

Leading with personal and humanistic values creates an authentic and enriching environment. When leaders prioritize integrity, empathy, and authenticity, they foster trust and respect within their teams. This not only strengthens a sense of belonging but also inspires collective growth.

It’s easy to lead with values when times are good, but true leadership is tested in moments of challenge. That’s when staying grounded in your principles becomes even more important—demonstrating resilience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to your team.

When leaders embody their values, they invite others to do the same, creating a shared sense of purpose. Team members feel valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute, leading to deeper engagement and stronger collaboration.

Achieving harmony between ego and values requires conscious effort. Here are some essential steps to help you find that balance:

• Clarify "The Dance" – Define what success looks like in your leadership journey. A clear vision provides direction and purpose.

• Cultivate Self-Awareness – Regularly reflect on your motivations. Recognizing when your ego is taking the lead allows you to realign with your core values.

• Unconscious Bias – Bias can cloud judgment and influence decision-making. Understanding where your biases stem from helps you lead with greater fairness and integrity.

• Set Clear Expectations – Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Clarity fosters accountability, trust, and efficiency.

• Respect Differences – Embrace the diverse perspectives within your team. Valuing these differences not only enriches leadership but also drives innovation.

• Encourage Collaboration – The best results often come from collective input. Creating space for team contributions strengthens both morale and performance.

• Be Open to Feedback – Foster a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed. When team members feel safe to share insights, relationships grow stronger, and leadership improves.

• Prioritize with Discipline – Focus on what truly matters. Aligning your efforts with core values and strategic goals ensures balance in the dance of leadership.

By embracing these principles, leaders create environments where collective success thrives. The tango serves as a powerful metaphor—reminding us that the best outcomes come from a partnership built on shared values, not individual ambition.

When leaders choose to lead with values, both in good times and bad, the impact is profound.

So, how will you choose to lead?

Yours sincerely,

Ella Björnsdóttir

CEO, Valhalla