Core Values Exercise (45 Minutes) - Andi Roberts



Core Values Exercise (45 Minutes)

Overview:

The Core Values Exercise is designed to allow participants an opportunity to explore their personal values on a profound level. By examining a list of “values” and ranking them, participants will engage in serious self-reflection and evaluation. By the end of the activity, participants will have a list of five “core” values; values that, without which, participants could not properly define themselves. Additionally, participants will be encouraged to share their list of core values with the rest of the group. Doing so will give participants the opportunity to observe others’ core values, and will promote dialogue about any differences present.

Goals:

Participants will:

• determine the priority of individual values

• learn to appreciate the diversity of values in others

How to Prepare:

The Core Values Exercise will challenge participants to rank a list of values – doing so may trigger strong emotions in some individuals. The facilitator should be ready to address these issues, but should not influence participants’ responses with his or her input. Further, the facilitator should be ready to address concerns that arise as the participants share their work. Again, the facilitator should remain an unbiased participant, using effective techniques to bring about deeper sharing and dialogue.

The facilitator will need to have one set of Value Cards and one Values Map for each participant. This activity should take place in a space large enough to give each participant ample room to lay out and organize their 56 Value Cards.

Brief Outline:

1. Pass out materials; allow participants to spread out and begin set-up of their Value Card deck; read instructions; setting of ground rules (5 minutes)

2. Values assessment (20 minutes)

3. Sharing of Values Map (5 minutes)

4. Discussion of observations (15 minutes)

Part One: Set-Up and Instructions:

Distribute a deck of Value Cards and a Values Map to each participant. Allow them to spread out in the room, instructing them to give themselves enough space to lay out all of their cards. Once everyone is settled, explain that the purpose of the activity is to give them an opportunity to seriously examine their own personal values. Explain that it is okay for them to feel uncomfortable with the exercise, but reiterate the importance of participation. Inform them that if they feel the need, you are there to talk through any significant issues that may come up for them through the course of the exercise.

You may wish to establish some ground rules at this time. Two important points to mention are the following:

• This activity requires you to think about your own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs and articulate them. Please use “I” statements and speak for yourself, not for any group.

• As the facilitator, my job is to provide a space where all can feel comfortable speaking. If anyone’s statements or actions begin to infringe on that, I will intercede and ask you to leave, if need be.

Part Two: Values Assessment:

Instruct the participants to arrange their cards in order from “Always Valued” to “Least Valued.” Participants should place their values in order from the most important value to the least important value in each category.

Participants MUST place 13 cards in two of the categories, and 10 cards in each the other three categories (e.g.: 13 cards in “Always Valued,” 10 cards in “Often Valued,” 10 cards in “Sometimes Valued,” 10 cards in “Seldom Valued,” 13 cards in “Least Valued.”)

Once participants have finished their assessment, they should copy their responses onto their Values Map.

The top five values in their “Always Valued” category will be considered their “Core Values.” These should be values that the participant feels are core in defining him- or herself. (Let participants know that these five values are to be included on the resume they turn in Week 4. Please note that these values will not be used as a method of determining employment, but rather as a tool when creating staffs and assigning floors.)

Part Three: Sharing of Values Maps:

Participants are invited to walk around and observe each others’ Values Maps. Ask them to note any similarities or differences to their own maps, or any common themes they may observe.

Part Four: Discussion:

Give participants the opportunity to talk about their observations, and their overall impression of the exercise. Be prepared to refer to any ground rules the group may have discussed, and to facilitate any difficult conversations that may arise. You may use the following questions to guide the dialogue as needed:

1. What was your initial reaction to the activity?

2. What patterns did you notice in viewing everyone’s Value Maps? Were you surprised by where some people’s values fell?

3. Where do you believe that your values come from?

4. How have your values changed over the years? Where do you believe these changes originated?

5. What parts of your identity inform your values?

6. How do your values shape the way you would work with students as an RA?

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