Whether you know it or not, you have core values which consciously and/or unconsciously impact the decisions you make and the directions you chose to go in life.
Core values motivate you and help you navigate through challenging and significant times. They are an intrinsic set of principles that represent what is important to you.
By identifying your core values and actively living by them, you can create a more fulfilling life aligned with your authentic self.
Values can include trust, respect, honesty, accountability, determination, growth, ownership, creativity, social responsibility, empathy, teamwork, communication, courage, community, passion… the list goes on and on.
When you identify your own core values you can align your personal goals with them which will lead to a sense of fulfilment, achievement and ownership of your outcomes in life.
Moreover, when you can align your core values with the business you create (or the business you work within), this shared sense of purpose becomes the pillars by which you operate and collaborate with your team and with external parties.
Your company values should be woven into everything you do – from your hiring process, to your sales process, to team meetings, HR practices and your customer interactions. They should be displayed in a visual place for all to see and kept at the forefront of all employees’ minds.
Company values should be simple to understand, relevant, easy to identify in leadership and should resonate with employees.
Incorporating value triggers is a great idea in both business and personal situations. These are physical reminders of the values you hold dear (but may sometimes forget!). Value triggers can be anything from post-it notes to photographs, a drawing made by your 3 year old that you keep in your wallet, or a pin badge that you wear with pride. These triggers remind you to focus on what is important and stay on track.
Often, individuals or companies have a meta value. This is the single most important value by which there is no room for negotiation. Every action taken is done so with this value in mind. It is the north star of all your values. Can you identify your meta value? What does it mean to you? Why is it so important?