The Significance of Values

Values are beliefs signifying what is important to us. Our values are windows into the heart of who we are. When we define our values, we give ourselves the opportunity to explore our inmost being and to understand what motivates our actions and decisions. We can use them not only to understand ourselves better but also to understand others and even to anticipate their decisions. One might go as far as to say that your values are a description of your essence.

In times when one feels down or demotivated our values can be the sunlight that breaks through the stormy, gray clouds. They are those precious rays of light that warm our face and remind us that not only each of us, but also our cause, is worthy, giving us the push we need to stick with our undertakings and choices through to fruition.

There may be moments in our lives when friends, family, colleagues, even strangers question our decisions. When you know your values, you understand why you make specific choices, and should they be challenged, it makes it easier for you to hold your ground and to stand by your decision. When we make the effort to truly know ourselves, we offer ourselves a foundation that cannot be shaken.

Values are useful in helping us to understand others and even to anticipate their needs, desires, even their reactions. If you are leading a team, for example, and make an announcement, there’s a good chance that team members will react differently to the information. This is often due to the fact that even within a team, personal values can differ greatly. While one may value wealth and security, another may value loyalty more. All of these values are valid yet can lead to completely different responses to your news.

Identifying the values of your team members will allow you to anticipate potential reactions and enter these meetings with the information or resources the team member may need in order to join your cause willingly.

Take the time to identify your values. Here is a resource to help you:

What Are Your Values? – Deciding What’s Most Important in Life by MindTools

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTED_85.htm

You can see me begin to explore the signifance of different values here:

Exploring Values ~ EXPRESSION

Exploring Values ~ SELF-LOVE

Please share your discoveries in the comments below.

Tell me, what are your top 5 values?