Your Values Story

If you can articulate your core values as part of a story, you will have a better impact. Storytelling is a wonderful vehicle to communicate your personal or organisational values. 

How values are commonly shared 

What are your values and how can you bring them to life? I’ve worked for organisations that had their core values proudly displayed on the wall or made into mugs, bookmarks, and brochures, so they are prominent for all to see.

“When a person can identify and narrate the experiences that shaped their values, they feel more grounded, inspired with purpose, and better able to connect with others on a human level.”

Anita Cushman

The heart of the organisation rests with those who tell the stories

When I worked in a hospital for many years, there was a vibrant local, and international history with plenty of stories. Some of the longest-serving staff were the hospital porters (these days the job title would be Patient Services Assistant). They were at the coal-face of many a tale and it was in the re-telling of these stories that the values of the organisation sprung to life. Often during long night shifts, these stories would be shared with anyone eager to listen. 

It was not apparent that any of these stories were captured more formally, or shared by the leadership team.

When values are simply words on a page, they have less impact than when they are shared through the tradition of oral storytelling. 

Marshall Ganz from Harvard University uses values-based leadership practice. He says, “Narrative is not talking about values, rather narrative embodies and communicates those values.” 

When values are stuck on the wall in a frame, they carry the value of a mass-produced painting, and no one takes much notice. But when the values are shared in the form of narrative, people can appreciate their worth and uniqueness as the values convey meaning and context. 

Here are six questions to help you shape the story of your values

#1 What are your top values? 

#2 Why are these values held dear to you? 

#3 What are the values of your business or organisation?

#4 Are there any of these values that create conflict for you, or that you do not fully commit to? 

#5 Can you think of a time when you have upheld one or more values, and this led to a positive outcome for you or someone else?

#6 Can you remember a time when you have had your values challenged, and you have felt pulled or have struggled to come to terms with this?

Once you have pondered the questions, craft a short story about your values. You may choose to weave multiple values into a story or you could have a short story that demonstrates each value in action.

The Values Story is one of the six stories that I recommend every leader should have as part of a Story Blueprint. 

Read about other key parts of your Story Blueprint:

• Every leader needs a Signature Story
• 10 ways to boost engagement by sharing a signature story

About the author

Lisa Evans helps leaders and entrepreneurs to craft compelling business stories and become exceptional speakers. Lisa is one of less than 150 speakers in Australia with the designation Certified Speaking Professional, a certified speaker coach, TEDx speaker coach, author, NLP practitioner, graphic recording artist, and improvisation actor. 

She has coached over 1,000 leaders across a range of industries, including resources, banking, finance, engineering, retail and sales as well as not-for-profit and community associations. 

If you wish to access a complimentary session in order to chat about how you can become an exceptional and successful speaker with a stand-out brand, then use this link to book a time to chat.

How I can help you.

Virtual Training and coaching - all my programs are available as live virtual training. Sessions can be customised to suit your team.

Business Storytelling Coaching – together we can get started to create your suite of stories. A minimum of three sessions is recommended 1:1 in person or virtually via Zoom.

Executive Speaker Coaching – if you have an upcoming guest speaking opportunity, funding pitch, conference talk or you want to be an outstanding speaker, we can work together on your technique. You will see the results after one session.

Storytelling for Leaders Interactive Workshops – From half-day to two-days immersive, this customised workshop is an ideal way to kick start your business storytelling strategy and get the whole team telling stories. 

Keynote/Guest Speaking at your next virtual conference or event.