Do you have values you live or work by? Do you ever stop to consider the behaviors needed to meet your values? Have you considered the difference?
Values are abstract concepts. Think quality, timeliness or integrity.
On the other hand, behaviors are concrete. For example, I pride myself on producing quality legal work in a timely manner. I can draft a quality legal brief or contract when due to court or within the time frame I have given to my client only if I set behaviors to allow me to meet these values. It may be calendaring when to start work on a project, not just the due date. It may be blocking time to focus only on the project by closing the door, ignoring emails and putting my phone on do not disturb (I know this goes against the multi-tasking world we live in, but be honest, can any of us truly multi-task well?? Or, another topic for another day.). If I take these type of actions it is more likely I will meet my values.
It is a worthwhile exercise to spend time thinking about the values of your business or how you work. Once you come up with the values you need to spend time on the behaviors that will help you meet each value you identify. And when you do, keep a list or document where you can review it often, which will help you focus on your chosen values and behaviors.
If you want help on listing your values and coming up with behaviors that will help you meet those values, let me know.
