Communication & HR Expert

A value is a certainty about what is important. Values are developed early in life and they are very resistant to change. Values are accumulated and cannot be proven correct or incorrect, valid or invalid, right or wrong.

Your values are the things that are important to you. They are unconsciously organized into a system and sorted by importance...this value is more important than that value, and that value is more important than this value, etc. Sometimes exceptions exist to a value's importance and creates a deeper level to the system.

Here's an example of an important value with an exception: Is it important to tell the truth? Is it always important to tell the truth?

So your kids are home alone. Someone comes to the door. Now you've taught your children it's important to always tell the truth, haven't you? Someone knocks on the door and asks, "Are your parents home?" Should they tell the truth?

So it's important to always tell the truth, except...

Grab a pen and paper and let's find three of your values. You do not need to share this information with anyone because these are your private values. Complete these sentences by choosing (a) or (b).

If I put money aside it would be...

(a) to buy something I want, or

(b) to safeguard my future.
I think that young people should be taught to...

(a) obey authority, or

(b) question authority.
This statement is more true for me:

(a) When I'm sick I prefer taking pills that will fight the pain and symptoms, or

(b) I prefer taking medications that will help my body to heal.

So now we've discovered one of your values regarding money, saving or spending. We know one of your authority-related values, and whether fighting the pain and symptoms is more or less important than healing your body. These are three examples of "values."

Not only are we made up of personal values, there are many other factors that help build our complete value system. Factors such as geographic location, economy, family organization, cultural diversity, etc.

Remember, each person's Model of the World is made up of five components:

Do you now understand "values?" Would you like to discuss it further? I'm available to discuss your questions about values via e-mail.