Valuable Discoveries: Unlocking Your Team's Core Values

Have you ever wondered what truly makes your team tick? What drives their decisions, inspires their actions, or fuels their passion? Today, we’re embarking on a treasure hunt to uncover the core values of your team—and their personal values—and explore why they matter so much.

Core values act as an unseen compass, guiding behavior, decisions, and motivations. For individuals, they shape preferences and actions; for businesses, they define the heartbeat of culture and operations. When a team understands its values—both personal and collective—it doesn’t just function better; it thrives.

Why Core Values Matter

In my coaching practice, I use a tool called ADVanced Insights, which quickly identifies where people shine and whether they’re working in their "genius zone." Personal values are pivotal in this process because they:

• Guide decisions: Values influence choices and determine what we prioritize.
• Inspire passion: Alignment with values amplifies energy and enthusiasm.
• Foster cohesion: Shared values create synergy in teams.

Similarly, a business's core values serve as its North Star, steering actions and decisions. When individual and organizational values align, magic happens: teams become more cohesive, authentic communication improves, and motivation soars.

How to Discover Core Values

Uncovering values is a collaborative and reflective process. Here are three effective methods:

1. Reflection Sessions

Dedicate time for the team to discuss defining moments in their lives and careers. What values emerged from these experiences? For example, during a recent retreat with a client, we revisited their business’s core values to see if they still resonated. This reflection not only validated their relevance but also reinforced their importance in daily operations.

2. Values Inventory

Use a predefined list of common values (available online) to help team members identify what matters most to them. Start by selecting 10, narrowing it down to five, and finally choosing the top three. A previous client of mine used this exercise to update their outdated core values, resulting in a refreshed and aligned framework for the team.

3. Storytelling

Encourage team members to share past work experiences and identify the values demonstrated in those moments. Storytelling often sparks deep conversations and uncovers the underlying principles guiding behavior.

Bringing Values to Life

Discovering values is only the first step. To make them impactful, they must be embedded into daily business practices:

• Create a Values Wall: Dedicate space in the office for team members to display their personal and business values. This serves as a visual reminder of what matters most.
• Celebrate Values in Action: Recognize and reward behaviors that align with core values. One client introduced a “values shout-out” system, celebrating team members who exemplify the company’s principles.
• Use Values as a Decision Filter: Before taking on projects or making major decisions, ask, “Does this align with our values?” A client recently turned down a lucrative opportunity because it conflicted with their core values—a bold but ultimately rewarding choice.

Living Your Values

Values should never be just words on a wall. They must be lived, breathed, and revisited regularly. Schedule monthly or quarterly check-ins to ensure values remain relevant and aligned with your team’s direction. Remember, values may evolve over time, and that’s okay—it’s a sign of growth.

When values are authentically integrated into your business, they become part of the tapestry that holds everything together. By taking the time to uncover and nurture your team’s core values, you’re not just building a team; you’re crafting a cohesive, driven, and purpose-led tribe.

Final Thoughts

Core values are more than an exercise—they are the foundation for lasting success. Unearthing and embracing them leads to greater team cohesion, authentic communication, and a shared sense of purpose. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey today and unlock the power of values in your team!

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