60 minutes (5 minutes for individual work; 20 minutes for small-group discussion; 35 minutes for large-group discussion)
Adaptable M–H P, T, D, M
1. To begin identifying personal values
2. To examine how differences in personal values can create conflict
• What I Value Handout
• Pens or pencils
1. Have the participants complete the “What I Value” handout by choosing their top five values.
2. In small groups of 5–7 members, ask participants to share their responses. Focus on those choices that were different. How might these differences create conflict in the workplace?
3. Ask each group to identify one difference and share the workplace implications with the large group.
1. We bring our personal values to work, and they determine our behavior and our perception of others’ behavior.
2. Differing values may be a resource for us and also a likely source of conflict that we do not understand.
3. When we have conflicts in values, they are rarely identified as such. If two people differ in appearance (color, gender, ethnicity, disability, etc.), the conflict is often attributed to that difference. If there is no visible difference, the conflict is usually attributed to “personality differences.” It is much easier to resolve conflicts when the source of the conflict has been accurately identified.
© Executive Diversity Services, Inc., Seattle, Washington, 2002.
Please select the five values that are most important to you.
Accomplishment: To achieve something noteworthy; to experience satisfaction when I accomplish a task, or solve a problem
Aesthetic pleasure/beauty/art: To enjoy and respect things (e.g., music, art, nature, theater) that are aesthetically appealing and from which I derive pleasure
Being loved: To experience feelings of warmth, affection, and caring from others
Challenge: To participate in activities that engage my intellect and creativity
Creativity: To display original thoughts; to develop new ideas, solutions, and improvements, then implement them
Dedication: To be loyal to my family, organization, and social or political groups
Ethical standards: To maintain a sense of right and wrong; to hold to my personal or religious ideals
Faith: To have faith in my abilities and skills; to feel secure in the help of others and to recognize help and acknowledge help received
Friendship: To have a group with whom I can share ideas and experiences
Good times/pleasure: To have fun and enjoy myself
Growth: To expand my life through my job or work in the community; to increase my knowledge or skills; to find fulfillment where I work and live
Health (physical/mental): To maintain a sound mind and body; to feel energetic and free from pain; to feel free from worry and anxiety; to have peace of mind
Helpfulness: To be responsive and generous; to have empathy toward others; to provide assistance, support, or protection to others
Independence: To think and act without being subjected to outside constraints; to achieve my goals in a manner best suited to me; to have the freedom to come and go; to be true to myself at all times
Justice and parity: To help correct conditions of human oppression; to actualize the truth that all human beings are equal; to make contributions that help eliminate unjust treatment of others
Knowledge: To pursue truth; to learn new things and explore ideas; to feel intelligent and be known as an intelligent person
Love: To experience warmth, feelings of affection, caring, attachment to and interest in something or someone
Money: To be comfortable materially and to have sufficient income and assets
Power: To lead and direct others; to influence or control others to do what I want/believe needs to be done
Recognition: To receive attention, notice, and approval from others because of something I have done
Responsibility: To be personally accountable to others for a job or commitment; to own something and take care of it
Security: To have a safe place or relationship where I experience protection; to feel safe; to have self-confidence, job security, and income
Self-Esteem: To be someone of value in my own eyes and in the eyes of others; to feel useful and wanted; to be appreciated by others; to have those who know me confirm I am worthy of respect
Wisdom: To pursue ultimate truth and knowledge of objective and subjective realities; to understand the meaning of life
Adapted from exercises used by Executive Diversity Services, Inc., Seattle, Washington, 2002.