Behaviour I Curiosity I Love

A couple of weeks ago, I talked about feelings and introduced the feeling wheels. This week, I will focus on values.

But before I get into it, I would like to thank those who have said how much they enjoy this letter! Thanks. It means a lot, but what means a lot to me is being able to help, which is one of my key values. So if helping, supporting, or educating is one of yours too, don’t hesitate to share as this community grows!

What we value is today’s topic. The Oxford Dictionary defines values as “beliefs about what is right and wrong and what is important in life.”

Last week, I met my 18-month-old nephew for the first time. It was a magical moment to reconnect with my sister whom I hadn’t seen for more than two years due to the Covid-19 lockdowns in Hong Kong where she lived. As I started to connect with her little man and we started to discuss things, we naturally talked about education, what they wanted, what they have seen, and what they valued such as respect, social interaction, creativity, and love. Values help structure education.

As we talked about their six years in Hong Kong, we discussed China and its management of the COVID-19 crisis, the economy, and life there in general. Chinese values — such as control, authoritarianism, or unity, to name a few — are very different from how things are done in Western countries and cultures. Values shape a country’s culture.

China makes me think of Russia unfortunately. A couple of weeks ago, I was listening to the Russian ambassador in France who was discussing Russia’s story about the Ukrainian conflict (I will soon discuss the concept of story). A journalist said that Putin had no values. She was wrong. He certainly has his authoritarianism, narrow definition of strength, and nationalism. Whether you agree or disagree with his values is a different matter. Values trigger wars.

In a less dramatic way, one of the reasons romantic relationships might not flourish or may end is because partners might hold different core values. Last year, my coach asked me this rather simple question, “Have you ever asked your date what drives her and what she values? This way, you know if it might be a challenge long term.” Values help love flourish.

In one of the latest modules in my MSc in Leadership, we discussed the concepts of identity and values in leadership at length. What sort of leader am I? Do I value authenticity, collaboration, teamwork, responsibility, growth, ambition etc.? Values shape leadership style.

As I embarked on my personal growth journey a few years ago, I did a lot of work on trying to zoom in on what was important to me. A few weeks ago, in the letter Your big 5, I shared with you that my five big drivers are Discover, Connect, Build, Support, and Grow. But what really are my values? After juggling words and concepts, tossing around what is important to me and what’s not, I ended with eight core values: curiosity, growth, authenticity, positivity, curiosity, playfulness, courage, impact, action. You can read more about them here. https://www.oliviersimonnet.com/about-me

Values drive our behaviours.

Your behaviour is based on your values.

Below is a list of 200 values, which are yours?

Question:

What are your values? 

And how are they consciously or unconsciously driving your behaviour?