Creative Tools: Values

by Gopal Ramasammy-Cook (Career-Creative Coach, ZestWare)

Understanding your own values and that of other members in a group can be a powerful creative tool. By values, I do not mean morals or ethics, but simply those things that are important to you, and which you like - the things you value.

Possible values are: fun, freedom, financial independence, challenge, stability, adventure, health, good food, creativity, prestige, fame, etc. How do you know what your values are? Well, for starters look at your preferred ways of spending your money and your time. Then look more closely: What are your favorite movies? Which is your favorite fictional character. Who are your favorite role models? etc. etc.

How can your values be used as a creative tool? For starters, when faced with a diversity of ways in which to develop an idea, the possibilities that resonate with your core values are likely to be more fruitful in sustaining your energy and producing results.

Another way would be to use the set of values in a group to generate different options for developing an idea. So, for example, one might ask: How can we develop this new widget, or process, or career possibility, so that it is compliant with the value of fun? How can we develop it to embody the value of financial stability?

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