How do you make value-based decisions when values themselves are so abstract and difficult to pin down?
Learning new ways to look at and talk about values can help.
You'll find a simple framework for sorting out and assessing values in Dr. Edward de Bono's
Six Value Medals workshop.
The skills taught in a workshop will help people quickly but thoroughly scan for values,
prioritize which values are the most important to pursue, and then ensure that top values are addressed
and maximized every step of the way. It's like putting on a pair of glasses with six lenses, one for each
of the six important value categories.
Gold: Gold is a precious metal, and so are people.
The gold medal asks what matters to the people?
Human values include pride, achievement, a sense of belonging, hope, trust, and growth.
Silver: Silver medal impacts the organization. What matters to the organization?
What are our goals as a company and how will a prospective action help us or hinder us in pursuit of these goals?
Steel: Steel must be as strong as possible. The steel medal asks what are the implications for quality?
How will the decision at hand impact the quality of what we do?
Glass: Glass can take the shape of many functional, often beautiful and colorful objects.
The glass medal covers change, innovation, simplicity and creativity.
Wood: Wood spotlights ecology values in the broadest sense.
Is there a positive or negative impact to the environment if we take this road?
Brass: Brass looks like gold but is not.
Brass medal values examine appearances and perception.
How will this action be interpreted?
Too often, organizations cannot articulate the basis for their decisions. As a result, they may fail to notice and resolve conflicts in values that have a negative impact on employees, the organization, clients, community relationships, and more. Until now there has not been a concrete way to assess the impact that a decision may have on our attempts to create and protect value. When employees can scan, identify and prioritize values, they become vital partners in growing your business.