For values or guiding principles to be truly effective…
“For values or guiding principles to be truly effective they have to be verbs. It's not "integrity," it's "always do the right thing." It's not "innovation," it's "look at the problem from a different angle." Articulating our values as verbs gives us a clear idea - we have a clear idea of how to act in any situation.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Values work best when expressed as actions, turning abstract ideas into concrete behavior.
In simple terms: Values should be verbs, not nouns.
Key Takeaway
Turn principles into habits.
Themes
leadership
ethics
behavior
clarity
Mood
motivational
practical
Type
strategic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Team meetings
- performance reviews
- personal goal setting
- company mission statements
Key Concepts
Actionability
verbification
principles
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you phrase your core values as actions?
- What habit reflects your most important value?
A Different Perspective
People may struggle to translate values into daily practice.