Yesterday we outlined six ways to identify your core values to improve your decision-making. Now it’s time to test them. Once you’ve identified a few themes from your answers, label each one with a short phrase, such as “show up for others” or “build trusting relationships.” Then ask yourself these four questions to confirm whether a value is actionable and reliable enough to guide your leadership. 

Can you use it to decide? Picture a past or present challenge. Would this value point to a clear path forward? 

Does the opposite sting? Imagine the inverse of your value. If it provokes a strong reaction, you’ve likely uncovered something non-negotiable. 

Is it more than one word? Single words like “trust” or “family” are too vague. Strong values take the shape of phrases that point to specific actions and behaviors. 

Can you measure yourself against it? Ask if you can objectively evaluate whether you’ve lived up to the value. Clear behaviors, like being transparent or keeping commitments, make it measurable. 

If you answer “yes” to all four questions, you’ve got an actionable core value. Values like these provide a compass for hard choices, reinforce trust, and prevent you from leaning on shortcuts or platitudes.

Adapted from Identify Your Core Values to Make Better Leadership Decisions by Robert Glazer

Spread the love