• Initiate reflection and dialogue around personal values

Materials Needed

• Sticky Notes
• Pens or markers

Step By Step Instructions

1. Hand out sticky notes to all participants.

2. Ask participants to write down the ten elements in their life that they value the most, one on each sticky note, in the form of value. For example, rather than a specific person’s name, put down, for example, “friendship,” “family” or “honesty” – something they actually value in the relationship with that person.

3. When everyone has their ten notes, ask the participants to spread them out in front of them so that they can see them clearly, and have a good overview.

4. Instruct the participants that they now have about 30 seconds to pick the three least important values to them, and throw them away. Be strict on the timings and don’t allow them more time even if it’s needed. Participants should use their gut feelings.

5. Repeat the previous step, allowing them 20 seconds to throw away two more.

6. And finally, repeat the last step, giving them 20 seconds to throw away two more. They should now have three sticky notes left with their three most important values.

7. Allow the participants 15 minutes to reflect individually, then 30 minutes to in  groups of twos or threes to reflect on the following questions:

   • How do I feel about the values I ended up with? Were they expected or did they surprise me?
   • How do these values show themselves in my everyday life?
   • What actions do I already take to live by them?
   • What actions would I like to take to live by them?

   These actions can be connected back to an action plan, using everyday actions to live and work more holistically.