My core values

What behaviors should you observe?

In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be, by remaining what we are.

Max DePree

A value is an observable behavior. Values emerge in the presence of choices. A choice to lie to a client or to tell the truth presents an opportunity to observe integrity. A choice to forego some profit to overdeliver for a customer presents an opportunity to observe humility. Values challenge pragmatism and constrain behavior. Values appropriately restrain creativity and eliminate immoral opportunism. I try to articulate and practice my values at all times, even at my own expense, even if it means the end of my ability to execute my mission. Reputation is worth more than gold. To lose my conscience on the road to victory is to have lost something more profound than the battle itself—it is a rejection of the attributes of God’s character. Hypocrisy is unavoidable. The goal is to play horseshoes: I want to get better and more accurate at the practice of these values over time. I believe the Holy Spirit provides the power for this process of self-discovery and self-improvement.

Why do I define my values?

Human beings have debated the meaning of values since time immemorial. Defining the ethical is as old as philosophy itself and spectacularly complicated. Values must be measurable or they cannot be operationalized. Without a clear idea of how wisdom, for example, affects marriage, family, community, client selection, hiring, compensation, etc., it merely ends up forgotten or defined by the vicissitudes of each moment. The more objectively I define them, the less likely my values become cultish, subjective, unprofessional, and unjust.

Defining values is as diverse as human souls. I adopt the teachings of Jesus Christ as a model for the practice of my values axiomatically. I could just as easily pick John Rockefeller, Tony Robbins, or Elon Musk. However, adopting Jesus’ definitions affords eternal advantages: resiliency in the presence of personal suffering; compassion for the poor; (traditionally) a respect for science; 2000 years of robust philosophical engagement; and, eternal life. I invite people of every ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and political persuasion to explore these definitions for themselves.

Wisdom: Apply the truth

Wisdom is understanding how to apply knowledge to achieve desired outcomes. If knowledge is a hammer, and a problem a nail, then wisdom is understanding how to drive in the nail. I want to act deliberately and earn profits patiently. I seek the truth in context. I expect human nature to be naturally evil. I trust that if someone is dishonest about something small, he or she will likely be dishonest about something big. Examples of wisdom include keeping silent while unsure of the answer, de-escalating conflicts, practicing skepticism toward get-rich-quick thinking, and vigorously avoiding amoral people and business practices.

Humility: Prioritize the mission

Humility is placing the success of the mission above personal appearance. I prioritize the mission and strategy God has given me above individual pride, wealth, status, glory, vindication, or significance. I understand a selfless team can significantly outperform a loose group of individualists seeking personal benefit over the collective goal. Examples of humility include wrestling with hard feedback, admitting mistakes (honest or otherwise), rejecting revenge, and authentically addressing interpersonal conflict.

Integrity: Be-Know-Do

Integrity is a unity of inner self and outer action. Integrity is richer than honesty: Originating from the same Greek root as integral, integrity is ultimately about "oneness" of perception and reality, statements and practice. First, we "be": Before engaging in any activities, I embody my values. Next, I "know": I perceive reality as it is, not how I would like it to be. Finally, I "do": I mean what I say, say what I mean, execute, and never lie about results. I appropriately admit limitations so that unspoken expectations do not become premeditated resentments. When discussing a person, I make sure that person is available to respond to both criticism and praise. Gossip and back-biting is viewed with disdain. Examples of integrity include clearly and quickly communicating bad news, defining reality for those under my leadership, honoring a promise even when it means loss, and admitting I do not know something. Integrity does not correlate with transparency: I may withhold information to protect others or mission objectives.

Passion: Experiment boldly

Passion is the desire to achieve the mission in spite of the pain and sacrifice required. I must believe and grow in my conviction that the greatness of a God-given vision merits the pain of executing. To make the world more just is to press against a kind of inertia: Passion is a clear-eyed, freely chosen, and enthusiastically embraced acknowledgment of the intrinsic risks and costs of doing work worth doing. I persevere through adversity and encourage others in spite of setbacks. I play to win or I do not bother with committing resources. I see fear and panic as toxins to be metabolized into courage and creativity. Examples of passion include doing more than the bare minimum, fighting frustration with generosity, setting ambitious goals, and seeing setbacks as merely temporary obstacles instead of abject failure.

Faith: Answer "how" with "yes"

Faith is choosing to pursue a God-given calling before asking if it is probable, plausible, or even possible. I first make the right decision, then afterwards plan for feasibility. I recognize that God provides dreams in excess of our ability so that we cannot take credit when they come to pass. I believe innovation requires conviction in the future and belief currently unforeseeable solutions will emerge. Defined in the inverse, I do not accept work that does not require conviction and boldness. Examples of faith include respectfully disagreeing with naysayers, finding a way when there seems to be no way forward, encouraging others under pressure, and resisting despair.