I recently led our new hires through an exercise to identify their core values. As we went around the room sharing our stories, something interesting came up – we each had different values and different stories on how we came to those values.
Yet there was this deep level of understanding and connection together. We didn't have the same top values. And I think that actually drew us closer to each other.
When you think about most company values, everyone is often being pushed to value the same things. But I think there’s so much more power when you do your work in a way that is aligned with what you personally value.
The Challenge of Knowing What We Value
But there is a problem with this. Most of us can't list our core values.
We might have inherited some from our families, picked up others through hard experiences, or discovered some through moments of clarity. But when we’re asked to name them, we often struggle.
Why does this matter?
Because when we know our values well, they can act like a compass – they can guide our decisions, shape our boundaries, and increase the impact we have on others.
During this new-hire exercise, one of our team members shared a powerful metaphor: Think about your yard.
Think about your yard. You know exactly where your property line is. You'd be upset if a neighbor started planting flowers in your yard without permission. Yet when it comes to our time, energy, and emotional boundaries, we often let others cross our lines simply because we haven't clearly defined them.
Finding Your Values
Here's the simple exercise we did that you might find helpful:
Write down 10 values that resonate with you
Force yourself to narrow it to 5. And describe why these five mean something to you.
Finally, identify your top 3 values from that list.
The goal isn't to dismiss the importance of other values, but to recognize which ones are truly core to who you are. These become your "true north" – helping you navigate decisions, set boundaries, and live with greater intention.
Making Values Practical
When you're clear on your values, you can:
Make decisions that align with what matters most to you
Set boundaries with confidence
Communicate your "why" to others
Build deeper, more authentic relationships
Think about it this way:
Every time you say "yes" to something that doesn't align with your values, you give away a little piece of yourself. But when you make choices aligned with your core values, your sense of self grows stronger.
Take a moment today to reflect:
What are your core values? What experiences shaped them? How might being clearer about them change the way you lead and live?
Take care,
Josh