One of the most important elements in a brand model (or ingredients in a brand doughnut) are values; what you believe is important in both your life and work.
Some have their values hardwired into everything they do, which is great. Others struggle, and finding them is harder than finishing a Rubik’s Cube.
This week I was asked how to solve this and gave 3 simple steps (not the Rubik’s Cube, that has 43 quintillion possibilities).
Find the words*
Answer these questions:
• What are you most proud of and what did you do?
• What has made you happiest and how did it make you feel?
•When were you most satisfied and how were you rewarded?
*If you’re really stuck for words then Google “values word list”. There are millions of examples. Cross out the ones that don’t click, circle the ones that do. Be instinctive.
Find the focus
Reduce the list down to 3 or 4 (max 5). There are probably lots of overlaps. Focus on the most important.
Find the meaning
You’ve lived your life through these words (step 1). Now ensure everyone knows what they mean to you with your own definition.
That’s it.
If you’ve completed this and have your values nailed, congratulations. Please share.
