60 minutes (15 minutes for individual work; 20 minutes for small-group discussion; 25 minutes for debriefing)
General M–H P, T, D, M
1. To identify priority values for individuals
2. To identify behaviors that reflect those core values
3. To discuss commonalities and differences among group members and how these can affect work relationships
• Top Values List for each participant
• Two index cards for each participant
1. Provide participants with a copy of the “Top Values” list and ask them to select 20 that are most important to them individually.
2. Next instruct participants to reduce the list to the 10 most important values from their list.
3. Then ask them to select the 5 most important values from their list. (Note: Be prepared for groans and protests.)
4. Now ask participants to select the 2 most important values from their list of 5 and write each value on a separate index card. On the back of each card instruct them to write two behaviors they exhibit (at work) that support that value.
5. Place participants in groups of 3–4. Each individual will share the 2 values written on his or her index card, discuss reasons for giving this value such a high priority, and ask others to describe behaviors that they would expect to see (at work) from someone holding that value. If any behaviors shared by the group are inconsistent with what the individual has written on the card, they will discuss those differences for the purpose of understanding each other.
6. Bring participants back together for debriefing.
1. How did you feel as you were selecting your top 20 values? As you were asked to reduce the list—first to 10, then to 5, and finally to 2?
2. How did you feel as you listened to others’ values? As you listened to others describe behavior associated with your values?
3. Describe the similarities and differences in your small group. What did you notice about the group dynamics as you identified similarities versus differences?
4. What values do you hold that made this activity easy or difficult?
5. What have you learned?
6. How could you apply information from this experience to your work life?
1. Prioritizing values is difficult because all of our values are important to us.
2. Individuals from the same cultural background and same organization may hold very different values.
3. Individuals who hold the same value may act out that value differently.
4. Discussion of similarities and differences in values can enrich the working relationship by fostering better understanding and an atmosphere of respect and acceptance. This is particularly true if the objective of the discussion is to understand the differences, not to judge them.
If the group is an intact work team, ask them to discuss the following questions:
1. What similarities or differences do we have in either values or behaviors that can benefit our team? How and why?
2. What are the similarities or differences in either values or behaviors that could be a disadvantage to our team? How and why?
3. What specific actions can we take to maximize the advantages and minimize or eliminate the disadvantages?
Adapted from an activity in The Whole World Guide to Culture Learning by J. Daniel Hess.
Adapted from an activity in The Whole World Guide to Culture Learning by J. Daniel Hess.