What force(s) drives you?
B= f (V x E)
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Over the decades, I was introduced to full-fledged strategic planning and became addicted to its grand form. After adding the concept of the power of values, I created my own version, the six stepValues-driven Strategic Thinking and Planning.
Included in these six steps are the creation of Values, Mission, and Vision Statements, followed by SWOT analysis (internal strengths and weaknesses, external opportunities and threats) and selection of Goals and Plans (often referred to as Focused Action Plans). The last step is Implementation or the “do it” phase. This six-step process was arranged in a hexagon motif.
I introduce this format, at this time, because my approach to strategic planning is one based on a person's values, which come primarily from one's past, then a person's mission, which is what one's is doing in the present. Then comes a person's vision, which addresses what one wishes to do/have/be in the future. Therefore, Values, Mission, and Vision Statements, address one's past, present, and future, and will be presented in that order.
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Welcome back to our 2008 Newsletter series. We are honored that you visit us and spend time and effort with us. We know that personal and organizational strategic planning is not for everyone. Remember, you can make a committment to address you entire life, or focus on specific issues in your life, such as challenges or opportunities.
What Do You Value?
Developing your personal Values Statment
Your personal values are the center of your universe. Your behavior, every thought you have, every decision you make, every word you utter, every relationship you have with others—everything you do is driven by your values.
What Are Values?
Values (from the Latin valere, to be strong, to be of worth) have been defined in literature, religion, and philosophy to include the widest possible range from eternal ideas to behavioral actions. They are popularly defined as:
“The acts, customs, institutions, etc. regarded in a particular
(especially favorable) way by a people, an ethnic group, etc.”
In their purest form, however, values originate and reside at a very deep level in one’s soul (psyche) and are, therefore, mystical. In this focused context, values can be defined as:
“The guidelines and beliefs a person uses when confronted
with a situation in which a choice is made.”
It is one’s behavior that decodes deeper values. Behavior is the only window through which we can judge another person’s values—or our own.
There is a cynical interpretation of this formula, wherein one’s behavior is a function of one’s true values when he is in an environment where he thinks nobody is watching. This may be the basis of the Las Vegas motto “What happens here... stays here.”
The Sources of Values
There is a general consensus that a person gains his values through just a few basic avenues: inculcation, modeling, self-analysis of real-life experiences, and values clarification.
Inculcation: This is the formal or informal teaching by parents, teachers, family members and individuals in our social and religious world during the early formative years of our lives.
Modeling: This is the process by which one selects, on a conscious or subconscious level, important or powerful people in our lives, mentors or “tormentors” (such as bosses, partners, teachers and colleagues) who may serve as role models for our lives and for our values.
Self-analysis of real-life experiences: Major short-term, real-life experiences may cause a person to analyze the situation and formulate, test, and even change his values. Long-term cumulative experiences such as marriage, child rearing, “empty nest” syndrome, or chronic health problems may be included in a self-evaluation process.
Values clarification: This is a concept fostered by the “humanist movement” in the mid-twentieth century. It approaches the study of values through formal "self- and group-analysis,” along with the use of rational thinking and emotional awareness to examine one’s behavioral patterns and underlying values.
For most of us, values are:
· Deep and emotional
· Difficult to change
· Sources of strength and stability
· The driving force for our decisions and choices
· The basis for our power to act
Values in History
Modern scholars interested in the study of values have listed almost 100 different human values. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC) described twelve “virtues” which he referred to as “means.” He also described twenty-four “vices”; i.e., wherein there was either a lack or an overabundance of any of these virtues.
There is, however, a generally-accepted short list of core values:
1. Integrity
2. Honesty
3. Fidelity
4. Courage
5. Patience
6. Justice
7. Humility
Another approach to the study of values is the focus on following certain principles of behavior, such as those listed in the Biblical Ten Commandments, These principles are not true values, but rather behaviors that are the expression of deeper, underlying values.
Over the millennia, societies have developed laws and regulations, based on underlying values, in order to create and maintain social order and peace. Individual and societal values are also the basis for our concept of ethics and morality. Societal values can be transient and malleable, tending to vary from area to area, and time to time.
Students of values have defined internal values, that serve ourselves, such as:
1. Humor
2. Freedom
3. Opportunity
4. Independence
5. Challenge
6. Curiosity
There are also external values that focus on our relationships with others and our society, such as:
1. Friendship
2. Sharing
3. Loyalty
4. Acceptance
5. Consideration
6. Love
7. Cooperation
Written exercise: using a blank sheet of paper you can address your:
Core Values: review the seven core values and rate them in order of importance to you. Then, detail why they are important and how you integrate them into your life.
Internal Values: rate your six most common personal internal values. Indicate why they are important and how you integrate them into your life.
External Values: you can again rate values in order of importance, following with why they are important and how they are integrated into your life.
Values Statement: using another sheet of paper write the first draft of your Values Statement. Allow space for you to return later for an update as you learn more about yourself and your world.
Author’s Suggestions
Values are important in our lives. They may also be the source of great consternation when we are confronted with major crises or choices.
Take the time and energy to study your values over time. One exercise is to keep a “values diary.” Monitor in writing your Values-driven thoughts, speech, and actions over a one or two-week period.
“Integrity: the greatest of all virtues...
with it, nothing else matters;
without it, nothing else matters.”
U.S. Senator Alan B. Simpson
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