Everyone Has Values - But Do You Live Them

It is probably appropriate to start off today talking about this thing we call Values. As we prepare for today's inauguration, we recall the election which we are told was decided on values. The presumption was that Bush had values, and Kerry did not. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Both candidates had values, it just appears that Bush did a better job of articulating his.

Values are critical to finding your V.O.I.C.E. Our values become the living embodiment of who we are and they speak for us in what we do. In reality, values are simple to understand as they are nothing more than what is accepted within a society. Our values are usually personal and are often debatable, particularly among those that do not agree with or share our values. Since values are subjective (yours and mine may not agree) they can cause great emotion both within those that believe in them and those that do not.

In finding your V.O.I.C.E. we must take values a step further. The values that matter here are those that are based upon principles. The principles upon which your values are based are what make them enduring and meaningful. This is true because principles are self-evident and unchanging. Principles do not require belief or agreement. Gravity is a principle. Whether or not you believe in it, gravity will always have an impact in your life. Values based on principles can not and do not change. They have clear consequences. Values when based on principles are evident not only in your statements or what you put on paper, but they are evident in your actions. It is your principle based values that cause you to be on your Ps and Qs even when no one is watching. Frankly, principle based values are the clear difference between winners and losers.

Everyone understands what I will call the "big" values, such as honesty, trust, loving your fellow man. These are certainly important values. However, what I want you to consider are the smaller values that are equally important, such as teamwork, risk taking, or pursuing excellence in all you do. One value that is important in my life these days is seeing other people as having needs, hopes, cares and fears that are equal to mine. This is rather than seeing them as nuisances, irritants or problems.

The values in giving your life V.O.I.C.E. require regular reflection and thought. Think about your values today. If you are living them then you are taking a step to giving your life V.O.I.C.E. and everyone around you will notice.

I encourage you to post your comments and share this information with your friends and colleagues.