Core values list and personal values exercise
Personal Core Values Exercise
Personal values are the qualities that matter most to you, the lens through which you see your life and career. They quietly shape nearly every decision you make, from your relationships to your work to the things you buy. Some were instilled early in life; others you’ve chosen along the way. This exercise helps you name the ones that are truly yours.
Step 1
Choose what resonates
Create some quiet space for yourself, then select every value that resonates with you. There are no wrong answers, and if a value that’s truly yours isn’t here, add it.
Some people finish in 10 minutes; others take their time over days. Your progress is saved in your browser, so you can step away and come back whenever you like. Nothing is sent unless you choose to send it.
“When I did this exercise at a retreat in England, it took me nearly a whole day to arrive at mine: Awareness, Compassion and Joy.”
Step 2
Narrow it to 25
So much matters to you, and that’s a good thing. To make the next rounds easier, look again at the values you chose, and keep the 25 that feel most like you.
As you choose, notice where your ego shows up. Is this value based on what others think or expect of you (outside-in)? Or is it core to who you are, the filter through which you see your life and career (inside-out)?
Step 3
Narrow it to 10
Now look again at the values you chose, and keep the 10 that feel most like you.
As you choose, notice where your ego shows up. Is this value based on what others think or expect of you (outside-in)? Or is it core to who you are, the filter through which you see your life and career (inside-out)?
Step 4
Narrow it to 5
And again. Keep the 5 that matter most.
As you choose, notice where your ego shows up. Is this value based on what others think or expect of you (outside-in)? Or is it core to who you are, the filter through which you see your life and career (inside-out)?
Step 5
Find your top 3
One last round. Keep the 3 that sit at the core of who you are.
As you choose, notice where your ego shows up. Is this value based on what others think or expect of you (outside-in)? Or is it core to who you are, the filter through which you see your life and career (inside-out)?
Your core values
Here’s where you landed. Take a moment with these before you go.
No values match. Add it as your own.
Your top 3
Your values as a lens
Your core values are the lens through which you see your world: your life, your work, your leadership and your relationships. Here’s what each of yours can mean. These are starting points; what each value means to you is yours to define.
A question to sit with
Where are these three already guiding how you lead and live, and where is there room for them to guide you more?
“Enjoy the space you’ve created for yourself. I’d love to hear what you came up with.”
Thank you.
Your results are with Hakim. He reads every one personally and will reply to you by email.
Lead from what matters most.
Naming your values is a powerful first step. Living and leading from them, every day, is where the real work begins.
Hakim A. Lakhdar, M.A., M.B.A.Transformational leadership coach to CEOs, founders and executives
Or email Hakim at info@lakhdarcoaching.com.