[IKE]

I don't think the Killer Bees have explicitly written down our core values, but it will likely be an exercise we will be doing this fall.

The importance of core values is like the foundation of a home. With a solid foundation, you can always rebuild the upper structure and have a good stable home. With a poor foundation, no matter what you do above ground, issues will arise in the long run. You can build a beautiful house with a poor foundation, that will be a disaster site as soon as some settling occurs. What causes this settling? Time, weather, earthquakes, general usage...

There is another thread about a team where some members want to have fun, some want to compete better, and the two groups seem to believe these are conflicting values. If they had a strong set of core values, they could review their actions and results vs. their values and distinguish discrepancies.

If you read any business development or leadership book (Good to Great, Built to Last, Tribal Leadership...) you will find a section on the importance of core values or something similar.

***************************************
On a side note, JVN did a core values exercise that is really powerful. There is a similar exercise that most people find truly unbelieveable.

Write down the priorities in your life. The things that are most important to you in a ranked order. I would recommend limiting it to a Top 10 to Top 20.

Then make a couple more lists. These are how you use your resources. Resources like time, money (if you have a job)...

Compare the lists, or if you are especially nerdy, make some pie charts in Excel. What you will often find is their is something you believe to be a priority that you are applying too little of resource too.