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Core Values

Our core values are present with us all the time

However, most of us can’t name them. Read about the benefit of being able to!

I have learned over hundreds of coaching sessions that there is no scenario that a person brings to coaching that does not have a core value at play.

One of the first things I suggest to my new coaching clients is that they complete a core value identification exercise. It is very common for a client to be motivated to be coached but is less sure of what to work on in coaching. So, I always suggest that we start by gathering some data starting with core values.

Would you be able to name your core values right now if I asked you to?

We each have a unique set of core values. However, if you are like most people (including me before I worked with a coach myself), you likely struggle to name them.

Coaching sessions provide the perfect opportunity for slowing life down so that you can think and better know your own mind. This may be the only time that you will find that you can take to fully explore the things that you put a stake in the ground for.

You may be wondering:
Why is it important to know exactly what your core values are?

Here are some thoughts that my clients have stated have been impactful for them.

1. They drive all your decisions.

In fact, one of your core values drove your decision to read this article right now. You core values drove you to the career you have and other life decisions.

2. Life is a constant adjustment to another person’s values.

The source of many interpersonal conflicts is the result of a clash of values. Once you know your own values, you become more open to consider the core values that other may have, or even the values of the company that you work for.

3. You may be living out of alignment with what you value.

Without awareness of your core values, you are not able to adjust and back in alignment. It is like swimming upstream when we act outside of our core values.

4. Core values are at the heart of your triggers.

I am sure you are familiar with what it feels like to be triggered. In fact, it is hard to put into words. It is a slow burning anger that sometimes causes us to explode! At the heart of every trigger is something smacking up against a core value. This is a great reason to be aware of your core values so that you can be aware of the things that will set you off.

I encourage you to try the exercise below. It is the same one that I use with my coaching clients. I like to think of it as a “starter” on the journey to discover your core values. This is a journey, and it takes some reflection time, so don’t rush through it.

Step 1:
Core Values are those things that you will take a stand for. Circle or highlight up to 15 core values listed below that are very important to you.

Authenticity	Justice	Harmony	Fortune
Achievement	Kindness	Loyalty	Productivity
Adventure	Knowledge	Honor	Independence
Autonomy	Leadership	Health	Innovation
Balance	Humility	Altruism	Integrity
Beauty	Skill	Control	Happiness
Boldness	Recognition	Emotional Wellbeing	Compassion
Challenge	Dignity	Love	Excellence
Collaboration	Relationships	Aesthetics	Empathy
Communication	Family	Spirituality/Religion	Respect
Connection	Passion	Independence	Responsibility
Courage	Honesty	Humor	Service
Creativity	Wealth	Forgiveness	Spontaneity
Curiosity	Openness	Faith	Self-Respect
Determination	Physical Appearance	Fame	Status
Trust	Friendships	Power	Optimism
Wealth	Peace	Stability	Meaningful Work
Fun	Nature	Wisdom	Commitment
Logic	Morality	Personal Growth	Recognition

Step 2:
Of those values that you circled or highlighted, narrow your choices to 5-6 of the ones that are the MOST important to you by writing them in the blanks below. Here are a couple of questions to help you narrow them down:

Keep the ones that you feel are non-negotiable
Keep the ones feel truly authentic to me
Remove any that you I feel you “should” have but truly don’t

Step 3:
For the 5-6 values you wrote down, reflect on what this value means to you. Then, record how you define each value in your own words

If you have made it this far, you have some great data to work through with your coach as you begin to spot them in real-life situations.

No matter what your core values are, coming to understand exactly which are most important to you helps you will support you in navigating your work and personal life.

Was this exercise impactful for you? Let me know – Vivian@VivianRank.com

Client Results

Clients share the impact of coaching

"Vivian took time to really engage with me on what mattered most to me during our time together. Once she knew my goals, she didn't hesitate to challenge me and drive accountability to help me think and act differently. Working with Vivian has helped me be more accepting of my "humanness" as a leader and made me realize that I do not need to aim for perfection in leadership - I just need to "be me" and lead."

Vivian is simply a fantastic coach. Vivian facilitated a 6 week group executive coaching session that I was involved in. Throughout the experience we were challenged, encouraged and provided a safe space for us all to share our experiences, views and grapple with the thought provoking material that Vivian expertly took us through. I found Vivian to have an innate ability to connect with the group and encourage the quieter members of the group to contribute whilst gently helping the louder members (like me!) not to dominate the sessions. I was able to immediately apply a number of the techniques Vivian took us through, in both my personal and professional life.

Vivian is a remarkable insightful and gifted professional coach. During my time working with Vivian, she helped me quickly determine areas for growth and opportunity – and challenged some of my perception in a way that provided great clarity. Because of her deep experience there really is not a challenge or circumstance that she has not seen and helped solve. Perhaps most important, Vivian really cares about her clients in a way that is authentic and empowering. The result: she really inspires and guides you to be your very best - however you define it. If you are looking for a professional coach – look no further!

Through our coaching sessions, Vivian Rank pointed out the times I’d dig in, I’d shrink down and the times my eyes would light up--All important cues to where I was limiting myself or areas I should explore further. This isn’t a passive relationship—she will push you, give you homework, and make you explore uncomfortable spaces. She will then practically jump out of her chair with excitement when you have an ah-hah moment. If you’re looking for someone to help you focus on a goal, Vivian is a great partner and advocate! I truly value the time I’ve spent with her.

I was fortunate to have Vivian coach me... She provided valuable feedback, perspective and advice during a challenging point in my career. I discovered different tools and techniques to plow down roadblocks, and learned to lean on my strengths to solve difficult problems. The experience was invaluable!

"Through Vivian's coaching, I was able to transition to a career I'm passionate about. Vivian asked the hard questions and challenged me to really think about why I wasn't doing what I really love. Often times, there is a mind block, or a set way of thinking, causing us to carry out our day-to-day activities without feeling fulfilled. I believe we each have a purpose in life and coaching can bring out your ultimate purpose where you're excited to face each day and step out of the day-to-day routine. I will forever be grateful to Vivian's coaching and challenging my mind set. It's true: Be Coached, Be Challenged, Be Changed. I'm forever changed! Thank you Vivian!"

Vivian has that rare combination of real-world business experience and deep connection to her clients as individuals. She is full of optimism PLUS realism - which I love. While she challenges me to see and make choices, she always leaves me feeling capable. I am a better business leader for having worked with Vivian.

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