By the time we reach our late teens, our personal values are largely set. These values rarely change, except under circumstances of significant stress, sudden loss, or upheaval related to something deeply important.
In the past, personal values were often shaped by religion and family. However, many young people today are products of broken families, which bring their own set of values. In our modern era, social media has replaced both religion and family as the primary influences shaping our children’s person value systems!
In our world, personal values profoundly influence leadership styles, strategic choices, and organisational cultures.
Tesla’s Elon Musk endured a tumultuous upbringing marked by relentless bullying and a strained relationship with his father. These experiences forged his values of resilience, toughness, and risk tolerance, which are central to his strategic approach.
Satya Nadella finally became an empathetic leader after the birth of his son Zain, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, helping Nadella transform Microsoft’s toxic culture into one of renewed collaboration and innovation.
Benjamin Netanyahu, deeply influenced by his Zionist upbringing and compulsory IDF training, saw his values of patriotism and discipline reinforced by the heroic death of his older brother ‘Yoni’ during the Entebbe raid, instilling in him the additional values of resilience, revenge, and strategic thinking.
Netanyahu Yoni’s street memorial reads:
“Fighter and commander of Operation Entebbe. Fell heroically in 1976.”
Tragically, societies that view every child as a potential soldier perpetuate aggressive values in future generations.
So with 2025 already upon us, how can you change your values and your strategic approach for the better?
Step 1. Identify your current values: Ask questions like, “What is truly important to me in life?” and “Why do I work for this organisation?”
Step 2. Seek external feedback: Ask trusted friends, family, or mentors how they perceive your values based on your actions. Their insights can reveal blind spots.
Step 3. Envision your Ideal Self: Picture the person you want to become and the values they would embody, such as compassion, authenticity, or resilience.
Step 4. Implement change: Start small, focusing on one value at a time. For instance, if you aim to value “compassion,” begin with a daily five-minute sitting meditation practice, gradually increasing to 30 minutes per day.
Step 5. Monitor progress: Track how well your actions align with your new values. Use tools like journaling or self-assessments to celebrate wins and identify areas for improvement.
Step 6. Shape your environment: Surround yourself with people, places, and activities that reflect and reinforce your desired values. A supportive ecosystem can nurture value transformation and foster lasting change.
Together, let’s create a better you and a better world in 2025.