Features and blogging

Twice this week I have been asked to consider my values. The first time was during a coaching session with a friend who is in training. Very good, she said, but you’ve identified the values you’d like to see in your clients. What about yours?
Luckily I’m also taking a five-hour networking course this week, and today’s session had us considering the same thing. I’m now facing a blank screen as I sit here wondering what my values are.
I chatted about this on a very basic level to my dad last night, an expert in culture and identity who is most definitely old-skool when it comes to buzzwords like ‘values’.
Overused and simplified was how he described the v-word, and I did wonder how the online computer that had just generated mine could possibly get behind my core values in 10 minutes.
I know, of course that we have to hone down our key points again and again, constantly readdressing and reassessing what we stand for. But I’m not sure I’m getting it to begin with. If I put down ‘Integrity’ as being of huge importance to me, do I mean:
A that I aim to always be honest?
B that my goal is to always engage in transparent conversation with clients?
C that I won’t overcharge people?
D all three?
And if I change my mind and put down ‘Passion’ instead, isn’t that kind of the same thing? Because without passion I can’t run my business with integrity. I also like Accountability, Trust and Engagement but don’t they all blend into one? And if we all had to wear our values on our collars like a name badge (or have them on our website home page), then go around playing match-up, wouldn’t we all end up in the same stable?
I’m not sure I’m barking up the right tree here. A little help, please, from any honest, accountable, trustworthy and engaging helpers out there.
#whatareyourcorevaluesandwhy