Munafo Core Values: MCV12 — Be Attentive To Core Values and Uphold Standards

Be Attentive To Core Values and Uphold Standards

"Core values" are the patterns of behavior expected by or exhibited by, either a single individual or all individuals in a group. The term standards is perhaps more common. I use both in the wording of the title above, because:

They are "Core Values" when we are looking for and noticing them,

They are "Standards" when we are adhering to and upholding them.

Apart from my own core values, other examples are the oath, motto, etc. of the Boy Scouts of America and the Code of Honor from the old Sterling Men's Division.

Core Values are Not Rules

Core values are taken on by the person or people who are upholding them, not imposed on a person by another. This is discussed more fully on the page listing my core values.

As illustrated here, a standard is like a "New Year's Resolution" but doesn't work if it is imposed on someone by another:

Imposed "Core Values"

Core Values are Often Unspoken

Core Values do not always have to be spoken, understood consciously, or agreed upon. In the times before language, and in situations where communication by language is impossible, people nevertheless follow core values. In fact, the most important core values are of this "unspoken" type. Often, words cannot fully express what the core value is about.

Most of the ancient "warrior codes" and codes of conduct, were unspoken core values. Later they made their way into language, the oral tradition, and eventually into writing. Along the way they became the basis for systems of morality and law.

The expression of core values through language greatly raises the risk of control or manipulation for unethical purposes. For that reason core values need to be vigilantly inspected against possible abuse. In particular, examine the situation to see if language is being used to change people's opinion on a "core value" they would otherwise not agree with, to create deterrence or to suppress dissent.

Keeping core values, in relationships and larger groups, often involves responsive behavior (behavior that reacts to the behavior of another). If the responsive behavior appears inappropriate or raises objection, it is important to examine it to determine if it is consistent with what people in a similar situation would do if language were not available. In particular, look to see if you or the other person is taking a position that is justified (explained) by words, but which would be indefensible without words. In such cases the nonverbal way must prevail.

Being Attentive

Following this core value includes being aware of your own core values, and those of others. If there are problems in relationship or teamwork, it is often because core values are lacking.

Core Values Must Be Essential

Core values (or "standards") should support and reinforce one's priorities without restricting the ability to pursue success in new ways.

The standards article discusses different types of core values and how a group can agree on a comprehansive set.

MCV12 for Teams

When this core value is present:

The team has core values (many or all of which wil be unspoken; it takes some time on a team to perceive the nature of, and effectiveness of, the unspoken core values) (+mcv12a)

The team keeps its core values in the forefront (core values are "present" as a tangible entity). They need not be spoken to be in the forefront. (+mcv12b)

The team adjusts or consciously re-evaluates its core values when new men join the team. (+mcv12c)

The team consciously chooses core values that address its mission or purpose over those that are focused on specific policies, methods, or tasks. (+mcv12d)

When this core value is lacking:

The team does not have or follow any core values (although the individual men might all have their own personal core values) (-mcv12a)

The team forgets, neglects or does not follow its core values. (-mcv12b)

The team presents its core values as a responsibility to (one or more of) its men, without giving him/them the corresponding right to be involved in setting or re-evaluating the core values. (-mcv12c)

The team uses core values to restrict itself to specific policies, methods, or tasks, when more universal core values would serve the group's purpose at least as well or better. (-mcv12d)

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