Values + Viewpoint. Let's take it for a spin.

Here’s a go at core values that's about dynamism and movement.

For me, core values are those qualities that infuse your work, and how you do it.

I associate core values with core strength in a Pilates, modern dancer kind of way. [Twyla Tharp, Alvin Ailey, or Martha Graham. Steph Curry too.]

Your defining core values knit things together in a way that’s organizing, alive, and robust.

When you tap into them, you can move in your business with clarity, direction, grace, and courage. That, as you may imagine, can be quite captivating for those looking on.

Of course, core business values, like core strength and other foundational, awesome things in life, require care.

I encourage you to commit to a set of them. To do so, go light, with everyday tools: a post-it or an evernote, ten minutes, and fresh-air.

Remember, values are ideas you can believe in. Give yourself ten, eraser-free, judgment-free minutes and list value words that come to mind.

Then, for clarity’s sake, winnow your list to a core five. (Rest assured this refining happens over time, but again keep it light. Just have the post-it or evernote handy so you keep your thoughts in one place.) 

Over time, your words will become increasingly specific and distinctive. Don’t force it. Iterate instead.

Ask yourself: do your five words knit together what your work is really about, and speak to why you do it?

Here at Stacy Communications, our core values are: Confidence, Authenticity, Design, Connection, and Wellbeing.

These five are deeply connected to my mission of empowering clients to express themselves well, with impact and ease.

One way I express my core value of wellbeing is by choosing to work with business owners who create health + healing.

Even more important, being clear about my core values means I can lean into them intentionally, baking them into to everything I do.

Core Values do not simply express a pre-existing point of view, but allow you to create one.
Core Values —> Core Strength —> Point of View

Seen this way, your core values are not empty words (posted in the company snack room), but your business’s oxygen, lungs, and lifeblood.

Next week, I’m excited to dive deep with you on the core value DESIGN, so you can see how rich and specific the word is for me and how it imbues (and animates) what I do.

I’m hoping this closer look will help you hone your own core five. So that you can move with intention, strength, and grace.

Have a core value or two you’d like to share, or like some input on? Email me here. I’d love to see what you’ve come up with.

As a teaser for next week, I’ll leave you with the origin of the word DESIGN. It’s from the latin designare (to designate) and the french designer (to draw). And these threads come together in what it means for me and my desire to create something truly new and useful in the world.