My Professional and Personal Core Values

I decided to write my first blog post about “values” because this word has become increasingly important to me personally and professionally.  Before we move forward together in any capacity, I want you to know who I am.  It is essential that I make it clear to everyone that I lead, work and stand on and from the perspective of my values.

When we think of the world we live in as human beings value is all around us. Everything has some sort of value attached to it.  Value can be measured using a lot of different metrics.  For example, money is a metric used to quantify how much worth something such as a good or service has.  In this example value can be considered in the context of how much something costs.

In the context of healthcare value is a loaded word to say the least.  What to the individual person, to you, to myself, is of value is not necessarily in parallel with what the healthcare system defines as value.  The metrics that are used to assess the value of a health system, hospital, or managed care organization for example are not in alignment with the metrics each of us use to define value in our personal health and experiences within the healthcare system.

Value takes on an entirely different meaning when we think of it in the more holistic sense.  On a personal, emotional, physical, mental, social, and spiritual level what does something mean to us?  When we think about what is of value to us there are different people, moments, objects, songs, books, and symbols that come to our mind.  These are things that cannot necessarily be replaced.  They have value to us because they make us feel something.  They make us feel valued.  They make us feel like we are capable of loving and being loved.  They elicit the sort of emotions that remind us of who we really are and what really matters to us.

As I shift ground from the things I value to the personal values that inform my professional approach, I must thank Dr. Jeff Thompson, M.D., who wrote the book Lead True: Live Your Values, Build Your People, Inspire Your Community.  Dr. Thompson is someone I am fortunate to call a mentor and friend thanks to the Universe.  In his book he put into words the way I feel about leadership.  Dr. Thompson also lives by his own words and sets an unparalleled example to follow.  When I read his book I was so grateful to know I was not alone and that there are great people out there truly leading with value. These people are the kind of leaders I look up to and admire.  I want all of you to know that where I come from, work from, and collaborate from is the most genuine of places.  So I want to share an introduction to values-based leadership. Values-based leadership is about leading true from whatever place you’re in.  It is about living your values.

In order for values to become the foundation of our leadership, we need to be clear about what our personal values truly are.  I never want to leave anyone guessing about my motivation when I do anything whether it is sharing a story, making a decision, or sending some positive energy.  This is not a way to build trust and clarity.

The source of our values can be anything such as family or a particular environment.  For me, love, faith, positivity, and the belief in my destiny to help and heal others are my sources that form the strong foundation of my values.  This is my personal compass.  The sources of my values rest at the core of who I am.  I lean on them always, especially through difficult times.  I anchor into them so that I can shine a light in the darkness and confidently guide those that I serve and support.

When we are clear about our values it becomes easier to navigate through life.  It is easier to make decisions and be consistent.  It is easier to find yourself when you’re lost.  Even when you fall, that strong foundation of values is there to catch you.  I challenge you to consider your sources and the values that drive you.

Wherever you go, go with all of your heart,

Elizabeth