Self-charter: Core Values

This is Section One of a five-part series on Self-Charters, an exercise in self-management and personal accountability. In this series, I explore how to design a charter that helps clarify values and establish a framework for guiding one's actions. Click here to start from the beginning. Keep reading to learn more about defining your self-charter's core values.

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What do I believe, relentlessly and unapologetically?

This question's answer is equal to your self-charter's core values.

Whether you're writing a self-charter or a team charter, it's easy to get carried away in this category but I've found it's best to limit yourself to three. You're more likely to commit to values you can remember easily rather than those you need to read from a list.

To narrow your list, start by throwing all your ideas out in whatever format works best for you. Then review the sum and find redundancies and themes. You'd be surprised how many of your core value ideas map back to a common category. Here are mine.

1. Balanced collaboration

I believe most projects are a team sport. I also believe that effort should be balanced equitably and appropriately based on the expertise of those collaborating. Knowing when to deliver through others versus delivering through oneself is a critical skill for anyone to hone. I find this applies in my personal life just as much as it does in my career. This core value stops me from over-extending myself even at the most tempting times.

2. No free labor

Weekends are mine. Evenings are mine. I grant access to my most precious time on my terms and my terms alone. I'm willing to go beyond the call of duty when the occasion calls but there is a difference between this and adhering to cultural norms that sap the life from me. No free labor. Pro bono when I say so. This value also extends to how I use my voice and influence. I advocate for others to protect their time and draw the line at free labor for my team when my position requires me to make this point clear to others.

3. Unconditional Kindness

As someone 'doing the work,' I can see where folks might not be set up to bring their best self to a space. I can consider the source in every situation. I can back up and acknowledge what I don't know and let that lack of knowing drive me to default to kindness. I see kindness as an act of strength and I extend it to all people regardless of how they treat me. I may not always be nice, but I will always strive to be kind.

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Moving forward

When you define your core values, you articulate the principles that will guide your self-charter and shape how you approach life and work. By limiting your values to three key beliefs, you create a framework that's easy to remember and live by. These values serve as your compass, helping you make decisions, set boundaries, and stay true to what matters most. With your core values clearly defined, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you're grounded in what you believe, relentlessly and unapologetically.

Next: Self-charter: Norms