Communicating our Core Values

Values are principles that each individual has and lives by

We have created them - both consciously and unconsciously - in our past. Values are so important to us that they influence our emotions. When they are honoured, we feel a sense of happiness and tranquility. However when they are not honoured - or even worse, being violated - we experience conflict, dissonance or unhappiness. 

Identifying our values is crucial for clear communication

Identifying our values is a simple exercise, however it can be tremendously helpful especially during challenging times. The person who we are - i.e. the WHO - is constantly changing. As a result our values change as well.

In order to facilitate happiness based on our values, it is important to create a list of our top 3 - 10 values and share them with our family, colleagues, partner(s) or all others we are interact with often.  It is crucial to set our expectations so there is little room left for future misunderstandings in our relationships.  This exercise does not only establish our values but forms good foundations for healthy relationships in our professional or personal lives. It reminds us to clearly communicate our top values at all times. 

Clear communication is key when explaining our values. Words/terminology we use can have variable meanings. Every person has their unique way seeing the world, so as a result, there can be a difference between what we intend to say and what the other person understands.  Each word means a different thing to each individual. What is teamwork? Flexibility? Honesty? Excellence? Leadership? Openness? What do they mean to you and what do they mean to your team / organization / family / friends / partner

Once we have established a sense of clarity about what we believe in t is important to ensure that our behaviours, intentions, thoughts, words align with our values and that we surround ourselves with others holding values similar to ours.

Establishing such a holistic approach will cultivate a much needed environment where people who share similar values will surround us.

Poor communication can result in failed relationships

There are countless examples of failed professional and personal relationships due to misaligned or poorly communicated values.  When positions are filled with people whose values are not consistent with the organization’s values, it could lead to high turnover or attrition rates, loss in sales or revenue. 

In romantic relationships, when partners fail to set their expectations at the beginning of the relationship, it can often result in the emergence of conflicts. Such conflicts can arise as the different values of the partners start to present themselves during the natural course of the relationship. Those misaligned values can easily result in frustration, conflicts, serious regret or pain.

Simple and short exercise exists to clarify your values

I have created a very simple and short exercise that can help you clarify your values, while possibly identifying new ones.  To gain the most of this exercise, I recommend you to partner with your life coach. With the help of your life coach, you can find out how these values are played out in your life and how you can create a life that is completely aligned with your personal values.

You can access this exercise here.