Do you know your core values? If you’re anything like me, sometimes the talk of “values” can feel a little (as my coach would call it) woo-woo. It’s a little bit touchy feely, and while incredibly important to both your career and personal life, a discussion of values can leave many confused, perplexed, and without an understanding of what this really means.
I recently read another term that more closely matches the idea of “core values” and is distilled more clearly to the masses. Vasavi Kumar, a contributor to the website MindBodyGreen.com, turned the idea of “core values” on its end and refers to them instead as things that are “non-negotiable.” Vasavi’s “10 Things That Are Non-Negotiable” outlines ten suggested non-negotiables/core values, and can give you a powerful jumping off point to create yours. My personal favorite on Vasavi’s list:
5. Keeping your word to yourself and othersThe highest level of integrity is achieved when you keep your word to yourself and to others. Your word is all that you have, it is what defines your credibility, or lack thereof.
- Never demand agreement, but always command respect. If someone perpetually disagrees with you, that’s one thing. But if they perpetually disrespect you, that’s another. One of my non-negotiables is being respected by my colleagues, family, and friends. And if respect isn’t present or isn’t mutual, the relationship isn’t going to continue.
- Commitment to excellence. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, but it’s non-negotiable for me that everything I do at least strive for and have a commitment to excellence. If I fail, I will fail while striving for excellence.
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
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