Individual Values
“In order to understand our relationship with other people, we first need to understand ourselves.” ~ Bill Bonnstetter
As a manager, our job is to develop people. One crucial way of doing this is to clarify, develop, and nurture their personal values. This is where the wisdom “Know Thyself” comes into play.
Why They Matter
To be a part of work that is important and fulfilling to us, we need to have the necessary tools. We first need to uncover and understand our individual values. If we don’t, it might be as if we are trying to fly an airplane without navigation.
Are Your Values Aligned with Your Career Path?
Since values are basic assumptions, we are often not consciously aware of them. We may tend to focus on what society and external forces say they should be. However, personal values are who you are in your life today, not who you would like to be or who you think you should be. Our values exemplify what we stand for, define what is most important to us, and form the basis for what we will and will not do!
Tips for Success
A few things to consider before beginning:
- The following exercises can be completed on your own; however, working with a partner is much more powerful.
- The environment is important – a quiet place is optimal -- as you uncover your unique, individual values.
- A list can be helpful, although a list most likely will direct us into our head, and ideally, we want to feel these values.
- It’s about experience – pay close attention to chills, emotions, or a burst of energy when you land on a value that resonates with you. Something inside of you will yell “YES!” when you have landed on a value that is uniquely yours.
- Be gentle with yourself and give the process the time it needs. Chances are you will not uncover all of your values the first time out, but if you stick with it, they will surface as you work through the process.
- Grab a pen and piece of paper and let’s go!
Practice
Step 1 - Questions to begin "peeling the onion"
Peak Company Experiences
Consider a meaningful moment—a peak work experience -- that stands out in your mind:
- What was happening?
- What elements existed?
- What values were being honored?
- What words come to mind? (Respect, Integrity, Trust, Flexibility, Quality,...etc)?
Challenging Company Experience
Now, go in the opposite direction. Consider a time when you got angry, frustrated, or upset in your work life:
- What was going on?
- What were you feeling?
- What values were being “stepped on”?
Code of Conduct
Think about the non-negotiable organizational principles that you require in your work life:
- What’s most important in your professional life?
- What other non-negotiable items must be present? Examples include: Creative self-expression... A strong level of health and vitality... A sense of excitement and adventure... Surrounded by beauty... Always learning.
What are the values you must honor or a part of you withers?
Step 2 - Exhaust the Options
Go through the list of identified values on the following page. Do you want to add any?
Step 3 - Creation
Create a top 3-5 Values list
Note: A feeling of chills, excitement or strong emotions is a clear indicator that they are resonating with you.
Step 4 - Prioritize
Prioritize the values from 1-5.
Step 5 - Make Them Your Own
Make each value actionable by adding a few words:
Responsibility - Take responsibility for the success of the team.
Flexibility - Promote continuous improvement.
Integrity/Respect - Treat others as I want to be treated.
Step 6 - Honoring Process
Rate each value from 1-10 on how you are honoring them in this moment.
What is emerging for you? What have you learned about yourself?
Examples of Core Values
After you have gone through the exercises above, refer to this list to see if you may want to add any values. If you think of a value you possess that is not on the list, add it!
RESOURCES
