Authenticity Comes from Values

For many women, being yourself can be a challenge. If that resonates with you, then you know what I am chanting about, Sista. It’s not so much that we don’t know ourselves … it’s more about being so overwhelmed in any situation that we become overpowered and cannot find our voice. By voice, I mean that umph that’s within you that tells you what to say it and when.

If I were to ask you “What is your voice?”, how would you answer?

In any one of us, there is a common theme that enters our voice. For me, it might be “let’s find a creative solution” or “can we just lighten up?” Listening to my voice begins to send a message as to the values from which it springs. BOING!

It could be a long conversation, in fact one that we have created a series of classes around (Jan and I, that is), but if you’re getting the hankering for what values are coming from your voice, this is a great place to start.

The following is a great list of values that my friend Jan Maples shared with me.

Start with identifying the ones that resonate
Make a list of the ones that speak to you, no matter how long the list. Hold this list in front of you

Narrow it down
Now limit it to 10.  Select the ones that you believe are at your core. Not the ones that you THINK should be at your core, but the ones by which you operate.

Abundance	Curiosity	Humor	Responsible
Accountability	Communication	Independence	Risk
Advancement	Dedication	Innovation	Security
Adventure	Dependability	Inspiration	Self-Realization
Authenticity	Diversity	Integrity	Service
Autonomy	Duty	Knowledge	Spirituality
Balance	Effectiveness	Leisure	Spontaneity
Beauty	Encouragement	Love	Strength
Belonging	Enthusiasm	Mastery	Structure
Calm	Equality	Open Mindedness	Teamwork
Challenge	Excellence	Patience	Tenacity
Comfort	Excitement	Peace	Thoughtful
Competition	Family	Power	Tranquility
Community	Freedom	Prestige	Trustworthiness
Compassion	Fun	Prevailing	Unity
Connection	Gratitude	Productivity	Wealth
Contribution	Growth	Quality	Wisdom
Cooperation	Health	Recognition
Courage	Helping Others	Relationship
Creativity	Honesty	Respect

Then to the final five
And now eliminate half of those 10, leaving you with the final 5. It can help to eliminate any that have clear overlap for your situation, such as Teamwork or Relationships or Community.

Stew on these 5, like an overrun squirrel on hot concrete in the fast lane. Ew, that was too graphic.

Stew on these, like your mama’s favorite oleo in a large stovetop cauldron. (Not that she’s a witch or anything).

Okay, just think about these intermittently throughout your typical day. Write them on a post-it. Test your tough decisions against them. What you’ll discover, is that the voice inside of you may grow from a slight whimper to a more resounding bark. And ergo, your leadership, its style, and the message that goes with it will become a bit more noticed.