⚖️ Silicon Valley Hacks: Beauty or Wealth?
Exercise from coaches: Values edition (print-friendly version inside)
Isn’t it surprising what 10 minutes can do for value clarity? Choosing between Beauty and Wealth might seem trivial, but it’s actually a deep dive into what drives us.
⚖️ How it all started?
Years ago, I sat with fellow analysts at a McKinsey training (my first and last one in French Alps 😅 ), tossing value cards around. Each of us interpreted them differently — what "Integrity" meant for one, felt entirely different for another. It was a guessing game. I thought I had my values sorted out, but fast forward 8 years, I discovered I had more to uncover.
⚖️ How it changed?
When I read these definitions during a new exercise:
Beauty: Appreciating aesthetic qualities in the world and oneself.
Wealth: Valuing financial abundance and long-term security.
It hit me — I do value these! The point is, we often miss what’s right in front of us.
⚖️⚖️⚖️ Here's a easy way to exercise for clarity
Pick 15 values from a list (I’ve added it for printing/ or virtual use!).
Narrow them down to your top 2-5.
Write 3 ways to live these values in your daily life.
⚖️ Tips for defining your own Core Values
❕ Think About Meaningful Moments:
Recall times in your life that felt really important. What made them special? Who was there? These moments could be when you felt purposeful or at peace. For example, parents might feel this when their child is born or takes their first steps. At work, it could be when you're doing something valuable that uses your skills well.
❕Reflect on Dissatisfying Moments:
Consider times when you felt unhappy or unfulfilled. What made those experiences bad? Maybe your job's mission didn't match your own, or a relationship had red flags. Sometimes, feeling unsatisfied can happen when your values clash with someone else's, even if they're not necessarily bad values.
❕Pay Attention to Inspiring Stories:
Notice which news articles or books grab your interest.
Look for people whose actions you admire. Why do their stories resonate with you? This can reveal a lot about what you value.
❕Notice What Makes You Angry:
Pay attention to what irritates you. Maybe it is a colleague's behavior or a frustrating task. Your anger might stem from a clash with your values. For example, if communication is important to you, a lack of it might make you mad.
❕Imagine Your Ideal Environment:
Imagine your ideal workplace. How would the culture be?
What benefits would you offer? How would people treat each other? Your vision likely reflects your values and what you want in life overall.
Give it a try—clarity might just be one coffee break away. ☕ What are your values?
P.S. I narrowed all my values down to my core 2! What’s your number? 🌱