Your values play a big part in your life and having experienced recently in my training for the CURVE Coaching platform which I now use in my business to help clients set goals with clarity and purpose, i became more aware of how I plan, co-ordinate and execute my working week more effectively. A couple of things happened over last couple of days where values came to the fore either because I did something proactively without thought or someone did something to me. If you are going to have clear identity and purpose in life, your values need to be clear and understood. In the coaching process I make a point of establishing these early. That way clear goals follow based on what you want to do, not what others want of you ! Many of you will have watched the Football World Cup recently and if you are a football fan, Japan did fairly well in the competition, beating Spain in one game. At the end of the last game in the competition, the manager of Japan shown in the photograph is shown respecting the Japanese fans for their support. Respect is one of the cultural values of Japan. I`m due to go there later in the year for the first time on holiday and know from research they uphold many of the top values I do, Family, Honesty, Respect, Trust. Can`t wait to visit their great country.
Over the past two days a few things have happened which put values into context for me. Wednesdays are Mum`s day. I`ve done the shopping and usually take this in and spend time for chat, catch up and some tea. She had been ill last week, and the chemist were very kind to follow up with the GP to get some anti biotics for Mum for a lasting cough which thankfully has now subsided. The Pharmacist at Dickie`s in Summerhill has been great over time with mum`s drugs and nothing is a problem. So, I made a point of going round past today to deliver some chocolates and biscuits. You would have thought it was the crown jewels I had given her... An act of respect and kindness, another value bestowed by mum.
Equally, in a business context I have had a couple of cancelled appointments at short notice, sent handouts to others with no returns or acknowledgement. Now you could say, oh well people are busy? I`m happy to let it go once, but when it happens again, alarm bells ring and I am far less likely to follow up again. So, you can see the impact that having strong values have and how you display these and live them out in your daily live`s. Helping people understand what their values are and helping them live by them is my bread and butter. It`s worth taking the time to really understand what drives you and your decisions.
What are your values?
Replies
A great post Brian.
I like to think that I treat everyone with respect and common courtesy, and would expect the same in return. I would hate for anybody to ever think I had been rude by not replying, saying thank you or cancelling last minute without good cause!
Thanks for responding Jeanette.