Principled leadership begins with respect for shared values. In a housing co-op that means our founding purposes, our by-laws/rules* and policies, our mission and vision statements that we have chosen together, and the values of our movement. Above all, our values are about the well-being of the co-op as a whole and the fair and even treatment of the members.

As principled leaders, directors measure what they do against these values.

Principled, values-based leadership doesn't mean there is only one answer to every question. Judgment plays a big part too. But it does mean that there is only one way to make a decision: by putting the values and interests of the co-op and the membership before anything else.

CHF Canada has developed the 2020 Compass, a process that will help your co-op clarify its values, its purpose, and what kind of future it sees for itself. To find out more about the 2020 Compass go to the CHF Canada website - www.chfcanada.coop - and follow the links to 2020 Vision.