How To Find Stability In A Crisis At Work

In times of great change and uncertainty we look, sometimes anxiously, for some stability: a reference point, something fixed on the chart of experience. We want to orientate ourselves, to know where we are. Then we have an opportunity to navigate to where we want to be.

If we look for a symbol of stability, we might choose a mature oak tree: strong, enduring and massive. This tree has stood solid and unmoving for two or three hundred years. All through the turbulence of human history, war and peace, it has passed the seasons in its natural cycle.

The stability and longevity of the oak is only possible because of its roots. They collect essential water and minerals from the soil and, critically, they are the structural anchor for the tree. When winter gales come it is the strength of the roots that determines whether the tree stands or falls.

In our own human experience, what are our roots? What keeps us anchored when we are buffeted by change?

Our roots are the things we hold most dear. People refer to these as their values. Although we are not always consciously aware of our values, we can tease them out with questions like:

What is important to you? What do you really care about? What can't you live with? What can't you live without? What makes you angry - what value does this violate?

As you become aware of your values, they act as an anchor of stability. You can orientate yourself around them. So when you have a decision to make you can see which choice is going to honour your values and which choice takes you further away.

There is one another factor to take into account. Some of our values are more important to us than others. We hold them in a kind of hierarchy. When you are making decisions and taking action in a changing world, it is very useful to know your top values.

You can find your hierarchy of values by following the process below (this will appeal particularly to those of you who enjoy puzzles and sudoku!)

1. Write down your values as a simple list.

2. Number your values from the top of the list starting at 1.

3. Now go to the bottom of your list (for illustration purposes, let's suppose you have 10 values)

4. If you are motivated to do something because of value #9, would contravening value #10 stop you? If the answer is 'Yes', swap values #9 and #10

5. If you are motivated to do something because of value #8, would contravening value #9 stop you? If the answer is 'Yes', swap values #8 and #9

6. If you are motivated to do something because of value #7, would contravening value #8 stop you? If the answer is 'Yes', swap values #7 and #8

7. Continue moving up the list value by value in the same manner until you get to the top

8. Now repeat steps 4 to 7 until you get 'No' answers all the way up

9. Your values are now listed in descending order of importance to you

What does all this mean in the real world?

It means that when change is coming thick and fast, we can return to our 'roots'. We have access to a stable reference point.

By taking actions that honour our most important values, we keep ourselves in the picture. Instead of the storm overwhelming us and violating what we know is important, we have a safety harness that connects us to what really matters.


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Trevor Hill works with groups and individuals who want to reinvigorate their working lives. He believes that as we spend a major part of our lives at work, we should aim to get the most from it. As a qualified coach and inspiring facilitator he helps people create more energy, focus and satisfaction in their professional life. Get your FREE copy of Trevor's e-book 'Passport To Inspiration' at
http://www.inspiration-at-work.co.uk