At Honor, we’ve always been mission-first—focused on empowering older adults and the care professionals who support them. Over the past decade, our journey has been guided by a core set of values that shaped our work and culture. However, as we’ve grown, evolved, and joined forces with Home Instead, it became clear that we needed a more dynamic framework to guide us into the future. That framework is here: 13 Leadership Principles designed to elevate how we show up every day—how we lead, make decisions, and innovate.
Developing these principles was a thoughtful, collaborative process. We engaged voices from every level of the business, ensuring these principles reflect not just theory, but real success stories from those who’ve driven meaningful change and impact. No matter your role—whether you're leading a team or collaborating with peers—you have the opportunity to lead with impact. Today, I’m excited to share these principles that define Honor's leadership culture.
At Honor, Leaders…
Leaders demonstrate a genuine passion for our mission. They prioritize decisions and activities that move the mission forward.
Leaders always start with the client and work backwards. They are maniacally focused on creating solutions that lead to better care for our clients.
Leaders set a high bar for themselves and others. They know that mediocrity isn't an option; they set ambitious goals, always strive for better, and commit to delivering top-notch service and outcomes.
Leaders have a keen sense that an identifiable problem is present. They identify it, determine the root cause and propose a solution. Leaders ensure solutions are implemented and partner as necessary.
Leaders make tangible progress, delivering quality and timely results. When looking at their accomplishments over the course of a month, it's staggering what they have accomplished and how much they have moved the organization forward.
Leaders consider the impact their ideas and actions have on the entire organization before making decisions. They consider inputs from across the organization and think about how their outputs will impact the entire company and its constituents. They prioritize what’s best for the broader business beyond their own team and don’t sacrifice long-term success for short-term results.
Leaders are self-aware. They are able to assess their strengths and weaknesses and objectively evaluate their performance, decisions, and behaviors. They are constantly evaluating whether their favored approach to solving a problem is indeed still the right one or whether new information suggests a new course.
Leaders have strong judgement, make decisions using informed data, good instincts and learned experiences. They actively seek out diverse perspectives and know that they can learn from others - even in areas where they are considered an expert. Leaders honor current constraints of the business and over time their decisions prove to be correct.
Leaders know when to pursue incremental progress and when to completely reinvent. They value making small, systematic changes over time to solve problems and push for audacious goals and embrace unconventional approaches to deliver transformative results.
Leaders seek out those that are better than themselves, listen to them, actively engage them in meaningful work and develop them. They recognize exceptional talent and willingly move them through the organization.
Leaders operate at all levels. They know when to stay connected to the details to enable execution and when to stay high level and empower others. Leaders audit when data and anecdotes differ.
Leaders are forthright and ethical. They openly seek the truth and the best path forward, communicating openly, honestly and respectfully. They willingly receive and give feedback. Leaders are not dogmatic - they welcome different perspectives, experiences and identities.
Leaders address difficult topics directly and openly, and actively participate in candid conversations to resolve issues. They expect conversations to happen "in the room" knowing that this keeps the full team aligned and moving quickly. They don't yield their position for the sake of consensus, but rather based on compelling evidence or logic. Once a decision has been reached, they are fully committed and execute with the group.
A Framework for Growth and Impact
These principles are more than words—they're a shared commitment that connects us all. They are meant to shape every aspect of how we work, from hiring, to developing our talent, to operating and innovating. They guide us through complexity, helping us balance bold change with steady progress. Current employees will receive a laminated copy of our Leadership Principles in the mail, while new employees will find it included in their welcome kit as they join our team. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important milestone. Let's continue leading with purpose and heart—because at Honor, leadership is for everyone.
