Your values called. They want a word
- Shona Watson
- Jul 2, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
I've been working with a client on their values recently, and I continue to be excited by the value in working with values.
Values represent what is important to you in life. They help you understand what drives you, what you enjoy, what inspires you, and what you would like more of in your life.
Imagine you're holding a compass. It doesn't tell you how long the journey will take or what lies ahead. But it does point you in the direction that matters most. That's what working with values achieves.
Understanding Values
I like to think of values as guiding principles. They can point you in the 'right' direction when faced with difficult decisions, when you're feeling stuck, or when figuring out how to respond to challenging work or business situations. They can also guide behaviour and action in everyday life.
Values aren't to be confused with goals or outcomes. A goal might be to "get promoted," while a value might be "personal growth." You can tick off goals, but values are ongoing.
Exploring Your Values
If you want to identify your values, picking them from a list is one way. It's often challenging to make a list of values while staring at a blank sheet of paper. I'm a fan of using values cards with clients and sorting through them to narrow them down into a core set. I encourage clients to re-label any emerging values into language that resonates with them.
Not everyone works well with lists and words. That's why I might ask you to think about past situations where your buttons were pushed or you felt really upset. Those moments are often useful to draw upon to determine what value wasn't being met in the moment, and in turn, what matters to you. Conversely, if a situation or moment made you feel proud or accomplished, it's likely one or more values were being honoured, recognised, or upheld.
I have used the values cards to establish the GU6ix values, which are the values that matter most to me as a business owner and how I want to show up in the world. I've even added my own words to those values to help bring them to life.
Bringing Values to Life
Values don't add value if they simply exist on a list or in a deck of cards. There needs to be a translation of values into expressed behaviour. If it's not something you can do, then it's not a value (Harris, 2009). I love the following description of personal values:
"The personal qualities a person most wants to express in his or her behaviour."
Bringing values to life doesn't necessarily mean making massive changes or overhauling who you are. It's worth starting small and reflecting on some concrete actions that you may already be expressing in daily life or would like to start doing. You may find this really easy, or if you're like me, find it a little more difficult to do and articulate (even as a psychologist!). Starting small is key.
But don't wait until a challenging situation arises to bring your values to life; it will likely feel awkward, perhaps even 'mechanical.' If you are able to bring your values to life every day (in whatever form), navigating the more challenging situations in a way that aligns with your values will be much easier and smoother.
The Importance of Values in Daily Life
Values play a crucial role in our daily lives. They influence our decisions, shape our relationships, and guide our actions. When we are aware of our values, we can make choices that align with them. This alignment leads to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Recognising Your Values
Recognising your values can be a transformative experience. It allows you to understand what truly matters to you. Take time to reflect on moments in your life when you felt fulfilled or satisfied. What values were being honoured in those moments?
The Impact of Values on Relationships
Values also impact our relationships. When we share similar values with others, it fosters connection and understanding. Conversely, differing values can lead to conflict. It's essential to communicate and respect each other's values in any relationship.
Values in Professional Life
In a professional context, values can guide career choices and workplace behaviour. When your work aligns with your values, you are more likely to feel engaged and motivated. Consider what values are important to you in your career. Are you seeking innovation, collaboration, or perhaps integrity?
A Few Final Pointers...
Values are Unique
"Values are like fingerprints; nobody's are the same..." (Elvis Presley).
Your values are yours, not others'. Don't expect other people's values to align with yours. Even if there is alignment, they may not be expressed in the same way that you express yours. They are your guiding principles for how you want to behave, not how others ought to behave towards you.
Principles, Not Rules
Some values can be stable over time, while others may change. There's flexibility in our values. At the start of your career, "achievement" and "risk-taking" might form part of your core values. Later in your career, you may value "family" and "stability." Values can also be situational; what's true for you in your personal life may not be true for you at work.
Values Aren't Just for Coaching
Working with values shouldn't stop once you leave the coaching space. They ought to be lived every day. There may be things along the way that interfere with your ability to act in line with your values. But that's all part of the human experience, so I encourage you to stick with it however best you can.
So, I ask you: Have you connected with your values? How do you find bringing them to life, and what value do you gain from being value-led?
Thank you for reading - it means a lot.
Shona
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