My Core Values

I have a love-hate relationship with core values. They fuel dynamic organizations when used effectively, but they are nothing more than mediocre corporate wall art when used poorly.

Today, I am not going to go into what distinguishes the great core values. Instead, I am going to share my core values.

I have debated for months whether to do this post. In some ways, it seems rather silly to share my personal core values. After a lot of thought, I have decided to share them for two reasons. First, by writing them down, it helps me to understand what drives me and will continue to craft me into the man I wish to become. Second, by posting them publicly, I hope to be held to this high standard by friends and strangers alike. Take this as permission to call me out if I am not living up to one of these core values.

Core Values

Integrity

I strive to be the type of person that you can count on. I take pride in following through on promises and delivering results on time.

Another aspect of integrity that I hope to embody is being a steady person. I do not want people guessing what they are going to be getting when they interact with me. As Aristotle puts it, a virtuous person's actions "proceed from a firm and unchangeable character."

Generosity

Generosity should define me. I want to be generous with my time, money, and encouragement. Generosity may be the single most important trait in building community and personal growth.

There are a lot of people doing incredible things in this world. Sometimes, they do not receive the praise or support they deserve. I want to have an uplifting impact on people's lives and give them the encouragement that they need. Whether through listening, giving advice, sharing experience, or collaborating together, I want to actively support the people I come in contact with, leaving them knowing that I have their back.

Creativity

I cannot imagine a life devoid of creativity. We have been designed to be creative. Knowing this, I want to have a creator's mindset in everything that I do.

Creators seek to build, optimize, and amaze. I want to take ownership of the things I am involved in. I want them to reflect my best effort. As is natural, some things will receive more time than others, but that does not mean I ought to be any less creative when given less time.

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