Values from Stories
Goal
pull out shared core values from real life stories
Materials
Instructions
Round 1 - Personal Values
Person A - Share a personal story of something you did or accomplished that you feel proud of.
Person B / others - Write down the personal value(s) you heard in their story on PostIt notes. One value/PostIt. When finished share with Person A, discuss. Anything missing?
Switch partners.
If desired, put PostIt notes together, sort into groups, discuss as group. Or use this round simply for personal connection and practicing listening for values.
Round 2 - Workplace Story
Person A - Talk about a time you’re proud of at work.
Person B - As before, pull out values, write on PostIt notes, share & discuss.
Group - Put all PostIt notes together on a wall or table. Sort into groupings. Discuss core values represented in these stories.
Variation - Values from conflict
Person A - Share a story about something that you are upset about that happened at work.
Person B - Listen for what core values were violated, threatened, or not protected in their story. Pull out in the same way as above; phrase the values in the positive (integrity, quality, compassion, etc.).
This version can be very powerful for people to gain new insight about how to better understand the nature of "conflict" and to gain experience in pulling out the core values from a situation where tensions exist.
See also Translated Rant for more instruction on how to do this type of activity.
Background
Shared among practitioners in the Applied Improvisation Network. Perhaps originated with Kat Koppett? Also shared by Julie Trell. Variations by Erica Marx.
About me: I am the owner of Erica Marx Coaching, a team coaching company based in Ithaca, NY and working internationally. We take a relationship systems approach to creating cultures of collaboration in organizations. We offer retreats, workshops, trainings, keynotes, executive & team coaching, and design, facilitation, and strategic design consulting on collaborative processes.
https://www.ericamarxcoaching.com/
erica@ericamarx.com
(607) 269 - 7401
Author
I lead a team that helps multi-stakeholder groups tackle high-stakes, complex work with clarity and connection. We design and guide strategic planning sessions, workshops, retreats, and conferences where people think well together, make sound decisions, and take coordinated action. Our team is trained in improvisational theater, and as active members of the International Applied Improvisation Network, we bring adaptable, creative methods that build trust, surface essential perspectives, and keep momentum strong. We also share what we know, offering facilitator training that blends inclusive process design with the flexibility and presence of improv.
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