Direction is attained by knowing where you want to go, and at times finding new routes that weren’t planned in advance when obstacles appear in your path. In order to navigate toward your desired destination you have to first know your starting point as well.
This is where values play an essential role, not only in your business or vocation, but in your life as a whole. But values don’t define us, per say. In actuality our actions do, which are a reflection of our values. And they are already present at the core of your being. You can’t just drop some buzz word containing statements into your life and expect them to magically work. Values are the basis of your character, actions, attitudes, ethics, and personal beliefs. In essence, your values are your habits.
There are individuals and companies that publicize their core values, usually posted in a frame and hung somewhere visible, and then when things get tough those values shown on the wall aren’t congruent with the actions/decisions made during those tough moments. The real character, attitude and personal beliefs show through the facade of the “core values” hanging on the wall.
So how does someone get to the core of what they believe? And more importantly, live it out? I believe this 2 step process can help you achieve just that. Remember, it’s already inside you. We just need to bring it out.
Step 1 – Answer this crucial question:
“What would be so important to you that you would hold to it even if no one else knew, even if you never got acknowledged for it?”
Hint – it may be more than one thing, in fact it will probably be several
Think about times that you knew in your gut you were right and wouldn’t compromise based on your principles. Make a list. This may take you longer than you think. That’s okay, it’s not a race. Once you have what you consider your list of things you would hold to even if no one else knew, begin to rank the importance of each item on your list with a value of 1 to 5, with 1 being the highest rank and 5 being the lowest. You may have several 1’s on your list. This is okay. Determine which values are more important to you than others.
Step 2 – Write Your Credo:
A credo is a statement of principles or values that clarify how you do business/make decisions and maintain relationships. They are statements of what you will do and what you will not do. They are statements of who you are and who you are not.
Follow this exercise –> Imagine you are going to take a six month sabbatical from your business/your work/your family. All expenses paid. You can take some books and music, but you are not allowed to communicate with anyone at your business/place of work/family–not by phone, email, or any other way. Before you go, you need to write a memo that will guide those who’ll be doing your work/making decisions in your absence. What are the principles, standards and values that will guide those who are filling in for you and steer their decision making while you are gone?
Your values guide and direct you. Make sure you know what direction you’re going and that it is pointing you to the destination you desire. The most effective leaders are those who know their values and live them accordingly. It’s impossible to be the kind of leader/boss/spouse/parent you need to be in order to be successful until you have a clear handle on your own values and start living them out.
