When was the last time you fully explored your core values—and how they actually show up in your life?
I spend a lot of time helping organizations clarify their values (and missions/visions!). And yet, I recently realized that I hadn’t done that work for myself in a while.
So, as the new year began, I revisited the core values that shape me—both personally and professionally (answers below!). To support that process, I read Robert Glazer’s The Compass Within and took a closer look at what actually drives my behavior and decisions.
What struck me almost immediately was how consistent my values felt. The values that guide how I try to live my life are the same ones that shape how I show up as a consultant—and the same ones that are embedded in my workshops, coaching, facilitation, and restorative work.
What surprised me even more, though, was just how long these values have been influencing my choices. I’ve left otherwise fulfilling roles when they weren’t present. I’ve formed my deepest friendships with people who share them. And I’ve chosen how to spend my leisure time to align with what I care most about.
So what did I uncover? As I worked through the exercise, four underlying themes emerged: care and presence, fairness and justice, accountability and congruence, and honesty and authenticity (Those of you who know me likely recognize these themes)! When I translated those into actionable principals, I landed on:
- Prioritize presence; listen fully and focus on others
- Treat people fairly; decide based on what’s right, not on who benefits
- Lead by example; align actions with words, and own the outcomes
- Speak honestly and authentically, even when it’s uncomfortable
Those feel so right. So familiar. So me. And while this clarity isn’t changing my direction, it does solidify my true north and will likely make future tough decisions a little easier.
If you’ve never taken the time to reflect on your own core values, I encourage you to do so. With intention and honest introspection, the answers tend to surface. And once you name them, they can become a powerful guide for what you prioritize and how you show up along the way.