Work hard, dedication, accountability, and respect are common answers to the question we ask at our workshops – what professional values do you possess? The irony is that in many instances, despite possessing similar values, people struggle with a) being accountable/providing accountability, b) doing the work, c) being respectful of others, and d) having a fair/reasonable/accurate assessment of living their values.

The internet is filled with “thought leaders” who focus on purpose, passions, and values. However, I never hear anyone explore any of these factors through a skill-based perspective. So what good are values if you don’t have the skills to act upon them?

Values are important aspects, often tied to a person’s identity. They are like the gutter bumpers on the bowling alley; they help keep us on track to where we want to be, and where we hope to head. But what happens if we remove the bumpers? Can you consistently get the ball down the lane without hitting the gutter? I see the bumpers as an example of our skills – how do we stay on track when we can’t live out our values because we lack the skills? And, when I say, “live out our values,” I mean that in a 360-degree manner. So, if accountability is my chosen value (BTW, the most prevalent issue in organizations I have historically worked with), how am I being accountable to myself, my peers, my leader, and my subordinates? Additionally, I am not only accountable to others, but can I hold them accountable?

I agree that knowing and living by your values is important, but the latter is much more complex than many think. So, if you are up for it, consider conducting your own 360-degree review of your values regarding your skills. How consistent and effective are you living by those values?