Recently I did a search for a list of values list and found one list that had 377 values listed and another with 440.
Now you are probably wondering why that matters? I was getting ready for a training session where team members were coming together to define their purpose and mission and often I’ll do an exercise that has attendees review a list of values and identify the top “10” values they live by and then the top “10” values that they think the Company lives by. Then they work together to define the values that they, as a team, will live by. The results of this exercise are quite revealing to attendees.
If I had to go through a list of 440 values to identify what values I lived by, I’d probably not do the exercise or I’d skim through and pick the first 10 that stood out to me. But is that really the way to define the values we live by … probably not, but it’s a place to start.
Personal values are deeply held views of what we find worthwhile and what motivates us to do what we do. Our values impact our attitudes and behaviors. When working with a group of individuals, our personal values may or may not be aligned with others or the Company and this may cause tension or conflict. When they are aligned with another individual and/or the Company, we feel as if we have found our “home.”
A company’s values are those beliefs and/or behaviors that define what is important to the Company. They are the guiding principles that define the culture, serve as a benchmark for decision making, and direct the actions of all members of the organization.
What are your values and how do you live them out day in and day out? Look at your calendar and see how you are spending your time. That will give you a clear indication of what you value. What’s missing that is really important to you but you just aren’t making time for?
What are your company’s values and how aligned are you with those values? If you aren’t sure, look at what the Company focuses on, communicates about, and rewards. Maybe one of the reasons you don’t feel “at home” at work, is a misalignment of values. Check it out!
