What matters most influences our wellbeing By Phil and Tiffany Smith, Smith Architects The values that matter most to us define who we are and how we react to our environment. They influence all aspects of our lives, every action, and every decision we make. Therefore, what matters most to those in a centre, shapes that centre, whether for better or for worse. With this simple exercise, you can identify what those core values really that are driving the culture of your centre and influencing the wellbeing of your teams. In these unprecedented times, it's essential to reconnect with what truly matters, both personally and professionally. Dr Robert Dilts' Neurological Levels (Dilts, 2014) offer a profound insight into our core values, illuminating the guiding principles at our very core. As individuals, our core values serve as compass points, directing our choices and actions. These values, shaped by our earliest experiences, define what we perceive as right or wrong and underpin every aspect of our lives. When our decisions align with our core values, we feel a sense of harmony, but Adapted from Dr Robert Dilts’ Neurological Levels (Dilts, 2014) straying from them can evoke stress and unease, a natural warning against deviating from our true path. Our core values can be often conceptualised into three to five keywords or statements which resonate with our decisions when they are aligned. In the context of a centre, core values breathe life into its pedagogy and lie at the heart of its culture. A centre's values are often communicated in writing as a core values statement. They are the highest principles that guide a centre's actions and decisions; they unite the team and they define the brand. They can help a centre, whether its navigating through a crisis or unprecedented challenges as we have seen this year, or through remaining accountable to commitments, and serving the most important customer – the tamariki in the centre's care. This is why values deserve a paramount position in how a centre functions, especially as we navigate these uncertain times. Uncovering your own core values To uncover your own core values, try this exercise. It takes approximately 20 minutes and is best done with those you work with or your family. You will need a timer and an empty rubbish bin. Each participant will need a pen, five Post-it notes or similar sized pieces of paper and a copy of the list below. Step 1: Set the timer for 5 minutes. Then within that 5 minutes, ask everyone to review the list on page 34, rating them on a scale of relative importance to them; high, medium, or low. They can add any other values that come to mind at the bottom of the sheet and rank them accordingly. Let everyone know that there is no right or wrong answer, only what they feel (not think) is important to them. Step 2: Set the timer now for 2 minutes. Ask everyone to write their names in the bottom right-hand corner of each post-it sized note. Then within the next 2 minutes, ask everyone to pick only five of their high ranked values and write one on each post-it sized piece of paper. Asked everyone to keep their values to themselves and do not let people agonise over these choices for too long. Their choices should feel instinctive. Ensure you keep the exercise light-hearted as the timer counts down. Step 3: Place the rubbish bin in the centre of the room Step 4: Now ask everyone to review their post-it notes, then to pick one, crunch it up into a ball and throw it in the bin. If anyone is agonising over their choice, give them a Fantails Childcare, Silverdale, Auckland: " A place where we value and foster ngā hononga (relationships) and provide an environment of whakamana (empowerment) which allows our children to develop to their potential; fostering their overall sense of well-being through their physical, social, emotional and spiritual health." (Architect: Smith Architects; Photographer: Mark Scowen) July 2024 { 32 }
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