In the run-up to the new year, we’re resharing some of our favorite tips from 2025. |
As a leader, you’ll face numerous high-stakes situations. When there’s no clear playbook for how to handle them, your personal core values can guide your most difficult decisions. But to use them effectively, you need to define them first. Start with these six prompts to surface what matters most to you, then look for common themes in your answers, such as generosity, helping others, and building trust.
Reflect on high-energy moments. When do you feel fully alive and engaged? Think about moments outside of work that energize you, such as volunteering, building community, and solving complex problems.
Recall your best work. Which jobs or roles brought out your strongest performance? What values were honored in those environments?
Listen to what others ask of you. What advice or support do people seek you out for most often? These patterns can reveal strengths tied to your deeper principles.
Imagine your legacy. What do you want people to say in your eulogy? How do you want to be remembered by those closest to you?
Spot your dealbreakers. When have you felt most disengaged or frustrated? These moments often reflect a violation of your values.
Name what you can’t stand in others. Think about behaviors that bother you deeply—they often point to your non-negotiables. |
