Explore your Values
This exercise helps participants identify their core values through a quick and instinctual process. It encourages them to focus on their genuine feelings rather than overthinking their choices, fostering meaningful reflection and discussion about what truly matters to them.
How to run it
- 1
Distribute post-it notes to all participants.
- 2
Instruct them to write down ten core values that are important to them, placing one value on each post-it.
- 3
Once completed, ask participants to arrange their post-its in front of them for easy viewing.
- 4
Set a timer for 30 seconds and have participants choose the three least important values and discard them based on their instinct.
- 5
Repeat the process, this time giving them 20 seconds to remove two more values.
- 6
Finally, repeat again for another 20 seconds to eliminate two additional values, leaving them with their top three.
- 7
Allocate 15 minutes for individual reflection, followed by 30 minutes for paired or small group discussion addressing their feelings and actions related to these values.
Tips
Encourage participants to trust their gut reactions during the elimination process.
Ensure a comfortable and open environment for sharing insights in pairs or groups.
Remind participants that there are no right or wrong values; this is a personal exploration.
Variations
Facilitate a group discussion afterward where participants can share their top values and how they might influence group decisions or goals.
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Explore your Values?â–¾
Use Explore your Values when you want to: team kickoff; values workshop; personal development session; team retrospective; leadership training.
How long does Explore your Values take?â–¾
Explore your Values typically takes 60–120 minutes.
How many participants does Explore your Values work for?â–¾
Explore your Values works best for groups of 2–40 participants.
What materials do I need for Explore your Values?â–¾
Explore your Values requires no special materials — just participants and a space.
How difficult is Explore your Values to facilitate?â–¾
Explore your Values is rated intermediate — some facilitation experience is helpful.
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from SessionLab. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.