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Coaching Glossary

What Are Personal Values and How to Work With Them in Coaching

Personal values are the fundamental principles, beliefs, and convictions that guide a person's behavior, decisions, and priorities. They are the core of identity, and when a person lives aligned with their values, they experience greater well-being, authenticity, and life satisfaction.

Origin and History

Working with values in coaching draws on Viktor Frankl's logotherapy, Carl Rogers's humanistic psychology, and ontological coaching. The ICF recognizes alignment with values as a key element of an effective coaching process.

How It's Applied in Coaching

  1. Identification: Use tools like the values list, questions about peak satisfaction moments, or the eulogy exercise (how do you want to be remembered?).
  2. Prioritization: Help the client rank their values from most to least important.
  3. Value Conflicts: When the client has internal conflicts, two values are often in tension. Coaching makes them visible.
  4. Alignment: Explore how aligned the client's current life is with their values. Where is the gap?
  5. Values-Based Decision Making: Use values as a compass for making important decisions.

Benefits for Your Client

Interactive Tool Available in CoachPro Tools

Use the tool live with your client. Interactive, customizable, and with PDF export. Values and Purpose Tools →

Recommended reading: Purpose and values in coaching

Related Terms

IkigaiLife CoachingLimiting Beliefs

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