As an ADHDer, values are really important to me. I have played around with values quite a bit since setting up the business in 2015. For me they are mostly an internal tool for me to measure if I am picking the right things to do.
I did an exercise with a mastermind group some time ago where we were asked to pick six values from a big list and those were with me for a good while. Beside each is a description of what they mean to me in this context.
- Community – A group of people who share something in common. You can define a community by the shared attributes of the people in it and/or by the strength of the connections among them. You need a bunch of people who feel a sense of belonging or interpersonal connection.
- Integrity – Doing the right thing (through your words, actions and beliefs) when no one is watching. Having a high degree of integrity at work means that: You are trustworthy and reliable. You practise and encourage open and honest communication. You are responsible for your actions.
- Co-operation – an act or instance of working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit; joint action.
- Effectiveness (as opposed to efficiency) – focused on the ability for the outcome to reach its goal
- Meaningful work – Work that aligns with my values and interests.
- Personal development – Making a conscious effort to improve myself and grow, by enhancing skills, knowledge, and overall well-being.
A few months later we were doing another exercise and I added another.
- Difference – The concept of diversity is very important to me. In particular cognitive diversity. Also I have come to believe that in business it is better to stand out. It will put some people off but they would probably not be a good fit in any case.
I had a session with my accountability coach this week and we talked about combining some of these so they became
- Wellbeing and Balance – Well-being is a mix of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social health. Balance means feeling centred and in control of these areas.
- Integrity in Action – This relates to behaving honestly and ethically, even when no one is watching. It’s about doing the right thing and having strong moral principles. Also taking action when needed.
- Inclusive Collaboration – This is a merge of community, co-operation and difference. Inclusive collaboration is a way of working together towards a common goal, where everyone feels comfortable contributing. It involves ensuring that all voices are heard and that differences are valued.
- Purposeful Discovery – This is the meaningful work item in the first iteration. A lifelong pursuit that can help people feel more connected to their purpose. It can help people feel more fulfilled and authentic.
- Self Care – We have identified that self care needs to be prioritised more. The practice of taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It involves recognising what you need and taking action to meet those needs.
The next day my coach said that she had been ruminating on them and would like to suggest an acronym BEACONS. I like it but I think my favourites are the combinations. Plus acronyms don’t help me remember anything, Now I have to remember two things!
- Balance
- Ethics for purpose, integrity and meaningful work
- Action
- Collaboration
- Openness for inclusive collaboration
- Nurture for self care & wellbeing
- Seeking for discovery
I think I like the couplets best so with a slight tweak:
- Nurture & Balance – Nurture is about creating the right conditions for growth and well-being for self and others, while balance is about maintaining harmony and stability across different aspects of life.
- Integrity in Action – This relates to behaving honestly and ethically, even when no one is watching. It’s about doing the right thing and having strong moral principles. Also taking action when needed.
- Inclusive Collaboration – This is a merge of community, co-operation and difference. Inclusive collaboration is a way of working together towards a common goal, where everyone feels comfortable contributing. It involves ensuring that all voices are heard and that differences are valued.
- Purposeful Discovery – This is the meaningful work item in the first iteration. A lifelong pursuit that can help people feel more connected to their purpose. It can help people feel more fulfilled and authentic.
What do you think?
