Validating our Core Beliefs

Solving for “Now What?!?” has taken us on a journey of introspection. Like tracing a river to its spring, we are seeking the source of our Professional Health.

Our Core Beliefs are the most fundamental aspects of our true nature. Composed of our Core Values and basic philosophies on life, these beliefs define the essence of who we are and what we stand for.

Core Beliefs are foundational because they remain fixed. We don’t alter our values and philosophies on the whims of our situation as we might with Wants or Attitudes.

Core Beliefs can evolve over our lifetime or in some instances radically change. I experienced a dramatic conversion in my Core Beliefs, which was transformational for me.

        

There is ample advice on life philosophies and endless ways to pursue meaning, happiness and fulfillment. Whether we believe in God, evolution or life as a random cosmic accident doesn't matter as much as how confident our faith is in our beliefs. This is not a question of religion but rather a deeper exploration of truth. 
Are we clear about what we believe and why we believe it?

When was the last time we scrutinized our life principles? Are we centering our lives on beliefs formed in our youth or adopted from parents and friends? Are we in a constant search for a more satisfying approach to life or settled on a paradigm and committing ourselves to its tenets?

It is difficult to answer “Now What?!?” if we have not reflected on the assumptions of our life philosophies and the implications on how to conduct our lives. Taking the time to re-examine these anchors of our existence is essential to good Professional Health and effective leadership.

Core Values define what we stand for and what we are unwilling to compromise.  Our values are the deep footings providing stability through the storms of our personal and professional lives.  Core Values withstand the test of time and circumstance.

Our Core Values align us in relationships at home, in our community and at work. When we work alongside or share life with someone of similar Core Values, we're better able to overcome the challenges we face together. If our Core Values are aligned with those of our firm, achieving our potential at work and keeping a harmony of heart and mind is more likely. Additionally, we lead best when the ideals of our organization reflect our Core Values.   

To do so, we need a clear articulation of our Core Values. A “sense” of what we stand for or an “inkling” of what is fundamental to us is not enough.

There is a broad array of Core Values. Five common categories are Character, Authenticity, Selflessness, Friendship and Excellence. A series of values can be grouped with these five categories.

Many leaders have not gone through an exercise of identifying our Core Values. Ideally, we should settle on four or five values that clearly and uniquely define us. We should feel strongly about our Core Values as reflections of our true self. While we all hope to grow, a set of purely aspirational values will not accurately reflect what we stand for. 

As with other aspects of our Professional Health, there are no judgments about Core Values. Each individual is unique and Core Values should help us distinguish ourselves.

Clarity on our Core Beliefs coupled with a stronger understanding of Wants & Needs as well as Emotions & Attitudes will enable us to lead most effectively. Instead of testing "behavioral modification" techniques which temporarily mask issues, we can adopt substantive changes enabling us to lead confidently while reducing anxiety and frustration. With this clarity, our Professional Health will improve and the relentless quest for "Now What?!?" will subside.