The danger with visionary principles and values statements is once crafted they can easily be ignored and forgotten. When I created my first set in 2011 I determined I could avoid that pitfall by printing out the list and looking at it at the start of every workday. While that did help me keep the principles in mind, my original list was not very active or proactive. Although I thought about my values, I had no immediate way to implement them into my daily actions.
In reconsidering what was important, I decided to focus on actions I could take and on ways I could shift my mind. As a result of this shift, I find the concepts much more useful and immediate.
Beholder Values
curiosity
Never be satisfied with the readily available information and ideas. Ask the questions and seek to find what else is out there and how others are doing things. You can train your mind and your eye to notice greater detail.
adventure
Don’t shy away from taking risks and adding excitement. People regret the opportunities they do not take. As an introvert by nature, this one is often difficult for me. I need this in my life, and I need to put it front and center to push me to take action.
connection
Always find a way to bring people and ideas together, finding associations among different viewpoints and styles. The people I admire most tend to do this automatically.
inspiration
Stimulate the creativity of others through example and by showing the range of creative outlets and styles. I am getting to know myself better, and focusing on what is true to myself so my passion and energy can shine through and be noticed.
expansion
Always try to make the view larger. Be more inclusive in the group. Open the frame to let larger ideas in. I have to be conscious of this every day and push myself.
Visionary Principles 2011
These were the six principles that guided me over the last decade. Although my focus has changed over that time, I wanted to keep the previous list here to show how my work has evolved.
- Service. I am never happier at work than when I can help others be more expressive and productive.
- Teaching. I have been given so much in my life, I want to share my experience and knowledge with others so they can grow farther, faster and smoother than I have.
- Reliability. The people we are most likely to turn to, trust and build relationships with are the ones who are dependable, who do what they say they will, and can be counted on to invest themselves in the purpose of the moment.
- Creativity. I have found that creative solutions come when you keep your eyes and mind open. The hardest part is not letting preconceived ideas, prejudices and conventional methods cloud the actual situation unfolding right in front of you.
- Meaning. No enterprise is completely successful if it does not connect to some deeper meaning or has some deeper purpose behind it.
- Authority. Today everyone wants to proclaim themselves an expert of something and have throngs of followers. Actually achieving this takes discipline and constant gathering of knowledge and studying of inspirational sources. My own authority lies in helping others to see the true reach of their expertise.
Learn more about Brian Tomlin
The post Visionary Principles was first published on brianbeholds.com on September 14, 2011. It was redesigned, expanded and updated on July 27, 2022.