Defining Your Core Values: A Crucial Step for New and Struggling Entrepreneurs

Core values serve as a guiding compass for decision-making, team building, and personal development. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you define your values effectively:

🔍 1. Do Some Self-Examination

Reflect on your personal and professional experiences. Identify moments when you felt most fulfilled and proud. What were you doing? Who were you with? What values were you honoring in those moments? Use self-assessment tools like Myers-Briggs and Enneagram to gain insights into your personality traits and how they impact your business approach.

👥 2. Think About the People You Admire

Consider the individuals you look up to—mentors, industry leaders, or even friends and family. What values do they embody that you respect and admire? Reflecting on these admired traits can help you identify the values you want to incorporate into your own life and business.

🧠 3. Brainstorm Values

Gather a small group of trusted colleagues or mentors and brainstorm a list of potential values. Conduct a structured session where everyone writes down values they believe are important. Combine similar ideas and vote on the most critical ones. This collaborative approach ensures the values resonate with your team and align with your business goals.

🎯 4. Choose Your Top 3 to 5 Values

Narrow down your list to the top 3 to 5 values that are most important to you and your business. These should be values you are passionate about and willing to uphold, even when faced with challenges. Choose values that will consistently guide your actions and decisions.

📅 5. Review Them Every Three Months

Values are not static; they can evolve as you and your business grow. Set a reminder to review your core values every three months. Assess whether they still align with your goals and the direction of your business. This regular review helps ensure your values remain relevant and actionable.

🌟 6. Live Your Values

Integrate your values into every aspect of your business. Make decisions that reflect your values, hire team members who share them, and communicate them clearly to your stakeholders. Living your values creates a strong, authentic brand and fosters a positive company culture.

By following these six steps, you can define and live by your core values, providing a solid foundation for your entrepreneurial journey.

👇 What are your core values? Share them in the comments below!