Core Values
Erikson describes core values as durable commitments shaped by childhood learning. His examples concern education, nonviolence, and the equal worth of people.
THE IDEA
Core Values
My core values are found deep within me, values so deeply embedded in my character that it’s almost impossible to change them. These are the things I learned from my parents as a child or that I learned in school when I was very young. In my case it was different variations of “study and do well in school” or “fighting is wrong.” The latter, for example, means that I’ve never laid hands on another person. I haven’t fought since third grade, and I seem to recall that I lost then. (She was really strong.)
Another important core value is that all people are of equal worth. Because my parents demonstrated this to me during my childhood, I know it is deeply wrong to judge a person based on his or her origin, sex, or color. All of us carry many such core values. We know instinctively what is right and what is not. No one can take these core values away from me.
When to use it
When facing a difficult ethical decision at work, reflect on your core values to determine the right course of action.
In a conflict with a friend or colleague, examine whether the disagreement stems from a clash of core values.
When building a team culture, identify and articulate shared core values to foster alignment and trust.
When evaluating a life change (e.g., career move or relocation), assess whether the new environment supports your core values.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Commitment to Education
Erikson recalls the instruction 'study and do well in school.' He presents it as an example of a value learned early and carried into adulthood.
Non-violence
Erikson links the value 'fighting is wrong' with his account of not fighting since third grade. The anecdote illustrates how he understands the influence of a childhood value.
Equal Worth of All People
Erikson describes learning the equal worth of people from his parents’ example. He connects that value with his rejection of prejudice based on origin, sex, or color.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
What core values did you learn in childhood that still guide your decisions today?
How do you distinguish between a core value and a situational preference or habit?
Have you ever experienced a conflict between two core values? How did you resolve it?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)