Introduction: The Importance of Values
Values are an integral part of who we are. They define what we stand for and reflect our unique essence. Core values act as a compass, guiding us toward a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose. However, many of us are unaware of our own values and instead focus on what society, culture, and the media deem important.
Discovering our values is essential for both leadership and life. Understanding our core values helps us lead with authenticity and integrity, making decisions that align with our true selves. This self-awareness is vital for personal growth, fostering stronger relationships, and creating a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Can you articulate your top 5 to 10 values that are most important to you? Without a discovery process, identifying your personal core values can be challenging. It requires effort to know and accept what you truly value.
Why Values Matter
Our values:
- Help us become the best version of ourselves
- Highlight what we stand for
- Guide our behaviors (like a compass or rudder)
- Bring inner contentment, meaning, fulfillment, and a sense of well-being
Core values are not about workplace fairness or punctuality; they are not personality traits either. They are about understanding yourself. Well-developed core values make you appear grounded in self-understanding, drawing people to you.
Ready to discover your values? Grab a journal, notepad, or note-taking app, and let’s get started.
Discovering Your Values Activity – Part 1
Start by exploring a list of values. Below is a sample list to help spark your thoughts. As you review the list, circle any values that resonate with you. Don’t overthink it—just note which words feel meaningful to you. Add any additional values that come to mind.
Sample List of Values:
- Accountability
- Achievement
- Adventure
- Authenticity
- Compassion
- Connection
- Creativity
- Growth
- Integrity
- Joy
- Learning
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Trust
- Vitality
Feel free to create your own list or find additional lists online to inspire your choices.
Part 2: Categorize and Group
With your list of values, begin to sort them into related groups. For example:
- Accountability, responsibility, and timeliness
- Learning, growth, and development
- Connection, belonging, and intimacy
- Sort them into themes for easier management.
Part 3: Identify Primary Themes
Review your groups and decide which word best represents each group. Highlight that word as your primary theme.
Part 4: Identify Top Core Values
Now that you have your primary themes, narrow them down to your top 5-10 core values. Consider:
- What values are essential to you?
- What values represent your primary way of being?
- What values support your inner self?
Rank these values in order of importance. Revisit this list after some time to ensure it still resonates with you.
Part 5: Add Meaning
Craft memorable phrases or sentences for your core values to articulate their meaning. This creates energy and emotion around your values, making them easier to remember and leverage in decision-making. Use inspiring words, evoke emotional responses, and play to your strengths.
For example: If you’ve identified health as a core value, you might say, “Health: to live with full vitality and energy every day.”
Part 6: Testing
After completing your list, step away and revisit it the next day. Ask yourself:
- How do these values make me feel?
- Are they consistent with who I am?
- Are they personal to me?
- Do any values feel inconsistent with my identity?
Check your priority ranking and adjust as needed. Remember, values can evolve. Review them a couple of times a year to ensure your actions and decisions align with your values.
Aligning Actions with Values and Vision
Once you have identified your core values, it is crucial to ensure that your actions align with both your values and your vision for the future.
When making decisions, ask yourself:
- Does this action align with my core values?
- Does this step move me toward my vision or away from it?
For example, if your vision involves fostering a culture of innovation within your organization, ensure that your actions promote creativity and forward-thinking. If an action does not align with your values or vision, consider whether it is truly beneficial for your overall goals.
By consistently aligning your actions with your values and vision, you reinforce your sense of purpose and direction, making it easier to achieve your dreams and lead effectively.
For more information on targeted leadership training and strategic tools to transform your team, break through barriers, and increase results, contact Audrey.
