What is Values Thinking?

Summary

The video script delves into 'values thinking,' a concept that emphasizes the impact of personal values on decision-making, often unconsciously. It highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse values, exemplified by a conflict between a ski resort's profit-driven values and the cultural sanctity of a mountain for local tribes. The script encourages open dialogue to understand differing values, suggesting that this approach can lead to consensus and sustainable solutions, fostering a sense of fairness and social justice.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Values thinking involves examining how our values impact our decisions.
• 🔍 Often, the influence of values on decisions is unconscious and not well-understood.
• 🌐 Values thinking recognizes that different people have different values.
• 🗣️ Expressing one's own values and understanding others' is key to resolving conflicts.
• 🏔️ The example of the snow bowl ski area in Flagstaff, Arizona, illustrates a clash of values between tribes and a ski resort.
• 💡 Values thinking acknowledges and respects the principles used for evaluation by different parties.
• 🔑 Identifying core values can lead to consensus and sustainable solutions.
• 🏛️ Active participation in civic duties is a way values are expressed.
• 🤝 Encouraging others to participate in civic activities promotes shared values.
• 💼 Intentional use of values thinking in meetings can lead to better understanding and resolution of conflicts.

Q & A

What is values thinking?

Values thinking is the ability to examine how our values affect our decisions. It involves recognizing that different people have different values and being open to understanding those values to resolve different points of view.

Why is it often difficult for people to identify their own values?

It is often difficult for people to identify their own values because the influence of values on decisions is often unconscious. People may not think about their values or know exactly what they are, which can complicate communication and education.

How can values thinking help in resolving conflicts?

Values thinking can help in resolving conflicts by recognizing and respecting the different values of all parties involved. It encourages understanding and communication based on the principles each party uses for evaluation.

What is the example given in the script about a conflict of values?

The example given is the Snow Bowl ski area in Flagstaff, Arizona, where a company using reclaimed water to make snow is in conflict with local tribes who consider the mountain sacred due to its historical, cultural, and religious significance.

What are the values of the tribes in the Snow Bowl example?

The tribes' values are oriented towards the historical, cultural, and religious roles that the mountain plays in their community.

What are the values of the ski resort in the Snow Bowl example?

The ski resort's values are geared towards making profits and ensuring the recreation area of the mountain is open more often for visitors.

How can understanding core values lead to sustainable solutions?

Understanding core values can lead to sustainable solutions by finding areas of consensus and potential for agreement that support the underlying principles of all parties involved.

What role do values play in active citizenship?

Values are expressed in active citizenship when individuals participate in civic duties such as voting or attending key meetings, and they encourage others to do the same.

Why is it important to create a safe space for values thinking?

Creating a safe space for values thinking is important because it allows individuals to express and explore their values without fear of judgment, fostering open dialogue and understanding.

How can one explore their own values on an issue?

One can explore their own values on an issue by seeking different points of view or reflecting on their own principles and how they influence their stance on the matter.

What is the significance of values thinking in meetings or group discussions?

Values thinking in meetings or group discussions is significant as it provides a structured space for deliberation, allowing participants to express their values and find common ground for decision-making.