Elvis Presley once said,

‘Values are like fingerprints. Nobodies are the same but you leave them all over everything you do’.

In a similar way to fingerprints, although they are always present, values are not always obvious or noticeable. We aren’t always conscious of them or able to articulate them well but when ignored, overlooked or disregarded, there can be uncomfortable consequences – like smudgy fingerprints on a clear glass window!

The word ‘Values’ is a tricky one that has come to be used in many different ways. Many churches have a values strap-line or mission statement. Sometimes they can be helpful in shaping and steering activity and decision making but sometimes they can be little more than catchy slogans and statements of good intentions rather than descriptions of practice.

The thing is … our values should be something we do, not just something we have. Values should be lived out – they should permeate who we are, what we do and how we do it.

So, what do we mean by the word ‘Values’? Well, according to the Cambridge English dictionary, values are ‘the beliefs people have, especially about what is right and wrong and what is most important in life, that control their behaviour’.

Control can sound like a strong and unpleasant word – but essentially, we are talking about those core beliefs that inform and shape what we do and who we are. Another word for it might be ‘ethos’ – a greek word that refers to our character … our customs … our habits – our fundamental values and guiding beliefs.

We all hold values that inform our practice and approach and influence our decision making – whether we are conscious of them or not. They are often shaped by our upbringing and life experience. Identifying our values and reflecting on how they shape and inform our why? and our how? enables flourishing – and that is true both for individuals and for organisations and groups.

Misaligned values can be problematic – be that misalignment in ourselves between our beliefs and our actions, or misalignment between the values we hold and the values of another.

When there is a disconnect between our practice and our values, there’s often a rub that can cause discomfort – a feeling of apathy in a job or a kids group that looks like it should work on paper but just isn’t quite coming together.

Relationships between people whose values are misaligned – be those relationships at work or at home – can be clunky and uncomfortable.

When we face challenges like this – exploring and reflecting on our values can be a great way of helping us identify what is at the heart of the issue.

So – how can we identify and articulate the values that we hold? Well – we’re glad you asked! ‘My Values’ is here to help you do just that!

Using the My Values card deck we are going to explore 4 aspects of the values that you hold – either personally, or as a team:

• Passion – What do you believe? What is most important to you?
• Purpose – What do you feel called to? What excites you?
• Principles – How do you go about it?
• Person – What shapes your character?

So – head back to the My Values homepage to find out more …