Do you know your three (3) core values?
These are the values that guide most of your decision-making, as well as the ones that define how you show up in the world. They also influence your behavior and ways of thinking.
Values are foundational to authentic, effective leadership and aligned lives. Clearly defined values not only help leaders navigate difficult decisions, but also guide them in fostering environments that prioritize trust, vulnerability, and resilience. Operationalizing core values and integrating them into actions, policies, and relationships within the workplace can create a sense of purpose and alignment that goes beyond profit and productivity.
Check out the coolest formula:Values + Purpose = Culture.
Uncovering Core Values
Whether I am working with individuals, teams, or organizations, we start by uncovering our core values. Visualize a fruit tree: At the roots are Personal Values – those essential beliefs and principles that shape how each person acts, decides, and connects with others. Moving up to the trunk, we find the Core Values – anchoring the culture and guiding the behavior of leaders and employees as they engage with one another, stakeholders, and clients. The branches represent the Systems and Processes that support the individual/organization, forming the framework that allows it to thrive. Finally, the fruit are the Offerings – its Services, Products, and Programs – delivered to clients and customers. This organic alignment, from roots to fruit, creates a coherent and purpose-driven organization.
Where Do Values Come From?
Values often stem from a blend of personal experiences, cultural background, family upbringing, education, and significant life events. Family and early influences, cultural and societal norms, education and mentors are all playgrounds that shape who we are when we are tested.
Putting Values to Work in our Professional and Personal Lives
Whether we are leading a company or living life, we can use our values for good by intentionally aligning our actions, decisions, and interactions with what matters most to us. Here are a few ways to put values to work:
- Guiding Ethical Decision-Making
When faced with difficult choices, turning to our values may help us make ethical decisions. For instance, if integrity is a core value, it guides us to choose honesty over short-term gain, ensuring our actions are aligned with our values. - Building Authentic Relationships
Values like respect, empathy, and compassion help us build genuine connections with others. When we honor these values, we listen more deeply, show up as our true selves, and support others, fostering trust and mutual respect. - Driving Purposeful Action
Acting on our values can help us engage in causes we care about, such as environmental protection, social justice, or community well-being. Values guide us to invest our time, energy, and resources in actions that make a positive impact in areas that are meaningful to us. - Creating Positive Work Cultures
In professional settings, modeling values like inclusivity, accountability, and empathy can shape a more positive workplace culture. When leaders and employees live by their values, it sets a standard for others, encouraging collaboration, respect, and shared purpose. - Promoting Personal and Collective Growth
Values like curiosity, resilience, and open-mindedness encourage us to grow personally and support others in their growth. Embracing these values allows us to learn, adapt, and challenge ourselves, fostering both individual and collective advancement. - Inspiring Others
When we consistently live by our values, we become role models, inspiring others to do the same. This influence can encourage a ripple effect, where others are motivated to reflect and act on their values, amplifying positive change.
By acting from our values, we bring greater alignment, integrity, and purpose to our lives, creating impact not just for ourselves, but for others. This conscious, values-driven approach can lead to a more compassionate, equitable, and fulfilling world.