Proclaim your core values and then live them
Value Proposition: How often do we walk into an office or business and see “core values” painted on the wall? I once walked by an organization where the words “core values” were massive, but the values themselves were almost unreadable, they were so small. It was as if the owners just wanted you to know they had core values, but not which ones they embraced.
We have core values at Catholic Leadership Institute, and yes, they’re on the wall; but I also think they are alive in the hearts of our awesome team. We often share the quote, “Don’t tell me what you believe. Let me watch you for a week and I will tell you what you believe.” One of the reasons I hope we are a values-motivated place is that every year, we stop to reflect on not only our organizational core values, but also the individual values we want to live, work, and act by to help us grow in our roles. While we all have instinctive tendencies or comfort zones, proclaiming values challenges us to make intentional choices in order to fulfill the potential God gives us all. Whether you feel called to proclaim values for your professional role or your personal life, consider these three tips:
Value Proposition: How often do we walk into an office or business and see “core values” painted on the wall? I once walked by an organization where the words “core values” were massive, but the values themselves were almost unreadable, they were so small. It was as if the owners just wanted you to know they had core values, but not which ones they embraced.
We have core values at Catholic Leadership Institute, and yes, they’re on the wall; but I also think they are alive in the hearts of our awesome team. We often share the quote, “Don’t tell me what you believe. Let me watch you for a week and I will tell you what you believe.” One of the reasons I hope we are a values-motivated place is that every year, we stop to reflect on not only our organizational core values, but also the individual values we want to live, work, and act by to help us grow in our roles. While we all have instinctive tendencies or comfort zones, proclaiming values challenges us to make intentional choices in order to fulfill the potential God gives us all. Whether you feel called to proclaim values for your professional role or your personal life, consider these three tips:
Give yourself a push
We all have skills that come naturally to us based on our temperament or life experiences which have shaped our perspective. But the most effective values are those that push against our natural tendencies and call us to a better place. Do you tend to be too task-oriented? Proclaim a value around “Care for others.” Don’t like to ask for help? Maybe “Delegation” is the value you need. Take an honest look at the behaviors that tend to hold you back day-to-day, and courageously lean into the values that will help you push past them.
Don’t just name it, proclaim it
Two people might both name a value around “Openness,” but they could mean two very different things. Values are most effective when they are defined in 1-2 sentences according to how an individual understands the value. Accountability is even more important. Take it one step further by operationalizing it. Write out 3-4 examples of what this value would concretely look like if someone were to see you living it out in the day-to-day.
Intentionality is integral
Whether it’s a reminder on your phone each day at 9 a.m., a printout at your desk or a colleague who can act as an accountability partner, find a way to proclaim your values and then keep them top of mind so you can call upon them in the moments you need them most.
Values aren’t just nice-to-haves in life and the workplace, they are essential for leadership and for discipleship. Proclaiming values offers a built-in examination of conscience each day to ensure we’re showing up as our best, both for ourselves and for others.
Dan Cellucci is the CEO of the Catholic Leadership Institute.
