How can you effectively communicate your values to your superiors?

It's increasingly important for employees to work for employers who share the same values and support a culture that helps them thrive in their role. Focusing on building a psychologically safe environment is helpful in creating a culture of innovation as it allows both parties to share thoughts without fear of retaliation.

Long before communicating your values to higher ups, ask yourself: am I fully aware what their values are? It's all too easy to slip into that abyss of making it about myself. But when we authentically take in the scenery around us, to genuinely care about what others care about, that's half the battle won. By the time I communicate my own values: 1) I already know where they are at 2) I know whether to anticipate a bonding/clash 3) I can cherry pick a posture that will foster connectivity. 4) Still be me: but in context of the group dynamic Point 4: without sacrificing me or what's important to me, I can still be cognisant of the group dynamic and the greater good.

I think of values as invisible motivators that drive us to take action. I describe them as invisible motivators because no one can see our values but they can see how we behave. Some people use broad terms to identify their values like family, faith, respect, etc. To identify your values, recall situations that caused you to act or react in ways that seemed contrary to your typical self. Then make a list of words that come to mind when you ask yourself, (1) what about that situation makes you most emotional; and (2) what about that situation confirms/contradicts what you believe to be true and fair. Next, find the patterns that show up the most in those situations. Finally, ask yourself what one word captures that feeling/belief the most.

Think in threes. What are three values that you know you are passionate about and that you know you are able to turn into valuable work contributions? Being valuable at work is best accomplished when your work aligns with your own values.

First, make sure you are defining your values and not your value proposition. Values are how you show up, and value prop is what you do or deliver that adds or creates value. For me, it starts with Why. My why. Why do I exist? What is my purpose- my Ikigai, if you will? My values are my how. How I show up, treat people, think, make decisions, and behave. They are a guidance system in decision-making and discernment. To create them, start with a list of words describing how you live out your why, feel, and what you value, cherish, stand for, and resonate with you. From there, you can start to formulate actionable sentences. The most crucial step- know your why and create values that allow you and guide you to bring your why to life.

In simple ways put: Explain your why. Not necessarily feel the need to defend, but rather elaborate your motives. But also give a personal reference with a personal example. This requires honesty and being able to formulate your reasoning into communication. I value [value] because [reason] + [Personal example]

Once you've identified your values and their alignment to the organization's values, one way to articulate your values is through your work ethic. Additionally, you can demonstrate your values through your responses and actions during meetings, the way you show up for team assignments and the way you carry yourself. Your interactions can also exemplify your values as they are an extension of your underlying thoughts, beliefs and feelings as it relates to how you see the world, both personally and professionally.

Never try to argue first try to understand the ''opposite'' party. [Oh you disagree? Do tell?!] After letting the other party completely and thoroughly finish. Paraphrase why it makes sense on their side. [so if I get this right, you see it this way, i can undertand] Simply ask for allowing to share you perspective, would they be willing to listen [Will you allow me to share my perspective] Explain your side and close off with one question, do you understand my perspective? The point is not to win an argument, but to allow the other party to be able to see from your perspective, but also understand their problem, you might meet in the golden middle.