The Power of Core Values

Summary

This discussion emphasizes the importance of defining personal core values, both in business and personal life. By answering key questions like 'Why do we exist?' and 'What do we stand for?', individuals and leaders can gain clarity about their purpose. Core values guide decision-making, helping people determine which opportunities and relationships to pursue. The conversation highlights that knowing who you are also clarifies what you're not, making it easier to find your place in life. Developing core values is presented as crucial for personal and professional growth, providing direction and clarity.

Takeaways

• 💡 Core values define what you stand for as a person and a leader.
• 🚀 Knowing your core values helps with 'advanced decision-making'—it streamlines thousands of future decisions.
• 🎯 Defining your core values clarifies which opportunities to pursue and which to avoid.
• 🧭 Personal core values act as your North Star, guiding your path in life and work.
• 🔍 Understanding who you are also helps you understand who you are not, which is equally powerful.
• 🏗️ Core values form the foundation upon which you build your personal and professional life.
• 🔑 Self-awareness is crucial—not just understanding strengths and weaknesses, but knowing your deeper purpose.
• 📖 Personal core values serve as guiding principles, helping you stay aligned with your goals.
• 🙌 Growing personally is essential for growing professionally; the two are intertwined.
• 📝 Developing your personal core values takes time and effort, but once established, they provide clarity and focus in decision-making.

Q & A

What are the three key questions that individuals or organizations need to answer?

The three key questions are: Why do we exist as an organization or individual? Where are we going? And what do we stand for?

Why is it important to define core values for a person or organization?

Defining core values is crucial because they serve as a foundation for advanced decision-making. Once you know your core values, they guide thousands of decisions, such as which opportunities to pursue, whom to spend time with, and which promotions to accept.

How do core values influence decision-making in personal and professional life?

Core values help pre-make decisions by clarifying what aligns with your principles. They inform which opportunities are right for you, whom to associate with, and where you should invest your time and energy.

What is the relationship between self-awareness and core values?

Core values provide a deeper level of self-awareness beyond personality traits or strengths. They help clarify your purpose and what you stand for, guiding your actions and decisions.

Why is knowing 'what you're not' as important as knowing 'who you are'?

Understanding what you're not is equally powerful because it helps set boundaries. It clarifies which paths, opportunities, or environments are not aligned with your core values, helping you stay true to your purpose.

What does it mean when the script mentions 'doing the right thing but not in the right place'?

It means that even if you're aligned with your core values and doing something that feels right, the environment or context may not be suitable for you. Self-awareness helps you recognize if you're in the wrong place.

How does defining personal core values contribute to both professional and personal success?

Defining personal core values serves as a bedrock for growth. Success in professional life is deeply connected to personal growth, and understanding core values ensures that both areas of life develop harmoniously.

What are some examples of personal core values mentioned in the script?

Examples include: 'I will relentlessly do the right thing,' 'I will take grand every day,' 'I will communicate and lead for God's purposes, not my own,' 'I will honor and respect authority,' and 'I will love intentionally and actively.'

How can having clear core values simplify decision-making?

Clear core values act as a filter for decision-making. If an action or decision doesn't align with your values, it becomes easier to dismiss it. This simplifies choices and reduces internal conflict.

What is the significance of the statement 'if your why doesn’t make you cry, it’s not your why'?

This statement emphasizes the emotional connection to your purpose or core values. If your 'why' doesn’t evoke strong emotions, it may not be deeply rooted in your true purpose or passion.