Values exercise

Spend half an hour writing a short autobiography highlighting five or six experiences or
difficulties youve encountered in your life and that you believe have shaped who you are
(think whole life here, not just career).
Include key life achievements and how you overcame any difficulties. Limit yourself to
around 500 words.
Once you have written your piece, go through it and make a note of recurring words that
represent your values. The following table is a useful starting point.
Values table

Individual

Organisation/work environment

Altruistic

Affiliative

Tolerant

Co-operative

Nurturing

Sociable

Helping

Close

Caring

Warm

Empathise

Family

Support

Affection

Compassion

Friendships

People oriented

Camaraderie

Autonomy

Entrepreneurial

Autonomy

Risk

Personal authority

Adventure

Independence

Experiment
Dynamic

Competitive
Energetic
Innovation
Novelty

Creativity
Individuality

Lifestyle/work balance

Unpredictable

Lively

Expedient

Fun

Originality

Choices

Ingenuity

Flexibility

Unconstrained

Expertise
Material reward
Expert
Profit driven
Technical expertise
Financially driven
Proficiency
Pay and bonuses
Superiority
Money
Competency

Intellectual

Power and influence

Learn

Guide

Intellectually challenging

Govern

Stimulating

influence

Recognition

Security

Respect

Settled

Reward

Predictable

Praise

Stable

Recognition

Secure

Appreciation

Regular

Structure
Structure
Organisation
Your own
Orderly
Clarity
Efficiency