Seven Core Values by Which to Live Your Life
Seven Core Values by Which to Live Your Life
Since 2011, I have been a member of a Business Network International (BNI) chapter in my home state of New Jersey. For those unfamiliar with BNI, it is an international organization, started in 1985 by Dr. Ivan Misner that helps promote networking among business owners, to help the growth of each other’s business.
Early on, upon joining a BNI chapter, and reinforced in every BNI meeting, are the Core Values on which BNI is based for its membership. While these core principles serve well in the operation of one’s own business and BNI chapter, as I have continued to see them more and more over these last several years, it is obvious to me, they also have a great significance in providing value to individuals in how they will get value from living their own lives. I would like to share each of the principles with you, (with a definition), and a few thoughts on how one may want to apply them in their everyday living.
GIVERS GAIN – By giving business to others, you will get business in return. This is the underlying philosophy of every BNI chapter. However, when one takes the time to ponder this thought, it is an underlying philosophy for living life. People want to work with those who may not only be people that can help them, but genuinely care about them and can support them in return. We are not all gifted at everything we do. However, if you share your gifts with me, and I share my gifts with you, we both benefit together.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS – Meeting and getting to know people is more like farming than hunting. In farming, relationships are cultivated. People want to do things with those they know, like and trust. Trust is built over time. It is built by continued shared experiences. It is built from having actual conversations with individuals, getting to know them, and in turn them getting to know you.
LIFELONG LEARNING – One should always be open to building their personal and professional skills. In BNI we are offered a number of educational programs. However, even outside the realm of BNI, there may be educational opportunities in professional associations of which we are a part. In the world of today, there are continual online education opportunities both at local colleges and adult education facilities, along with online certification classes.
TRADITIONS & INNOVATION – Traditions lay the foundation of who one is, and the values by which they live. However, change will occur over the course of time, and incorporating in new ways of doing things, or new ways to meet the needs of others, help us to innovate and make sure the innovations align with our values.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE – In developing a positive attitude, it is important to surround oneself with others who share that upbeat perspective. Those who are part of your life should be those who help encourage you to move forward, and do not denigrate you for those steps you take to move forward in your life.
ACCOUNTABILITY – Often we can side tracked if we move through life all by ourselves. There are those whom we should be able to go to as mentors, as sounding boards, and as ones to whom we report our progress. If that accountability is to ourselves, are we tracking it through to-do lists, calendars where we are checking off our progress or by measurable periodic reporting, (such as monthly or quarterly reports)
RECOGNITION – Stay aware of the accomplishments of others. Be sure to praise them for the things they have done well. If they have helped you along the way, be sure to say thank you and give them a sense of how their efforts helped you on your journey. While recognition can take the form of physical gifts or payments, often just an appreciative word can go a long way in encouraging others on their journey. (That in turn often leads to them looking out for you on your journey through life).
