You don’t always have the luxury of time or complete information when making leadership decisions. In uncertain moments, a clear set of values gives you a faster, more reliable way to act with confidence.
Start by reflecting. Look back on meaningful moments at work. Start with a negative experience and ask what was missing. Then revisit a positive one and identify what made it fulfilling. This helps reveal what you truly care about. If the same themes show up more than once, treat them as strong signals of your core values.
Clarify through laddering. Compare important elements or choices in your life (jobs, relationships, places) and ask why you prefer one over another. Keep asking “why” until you reach a fundamental principle. Repeat this process to uncover a small set of core values.
Sharpen your language. Test each value you’ve identified against synonyms that come to mind (for example, “accomplishment” vs. “excellence”). Choose the word that feels most precise. Continue refining until each value feels distinct, actionable, and non-negotiable.
