Values Profile

" Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate "
Albert Schweitzer

You seem to be motivated by social values. This means that you value being helpful, kind and agreeable. You think it's important to try to find the good in everyone, and have faith that if you dig deep enough, you will find it. You wish to eliminate or at least reduce hate and conflict in the world. You give of yourself, whether on a small scale (e.g. by spending time with a friend in need), or on a global scale (e.g. by volunteering for a human rights organization). In helping others overcome obstacles, you hope to assist them in becoming the best they can be. You are a giving, compassionate individual. You likely become passionately angry at signs of social injustice. It is imperative to you that you have contact with people during your free time and at work. You really enjoy and benefit from being with other people and as a result, you seek out activities where this is possible. You are a trusted friend and cherished family member. In times of crisis and change, you are both a source of comfort for your family and friends, and able to be comforted by them as well.

Potential strengths for people with Social Values

Individuals with social values tend to be good communicators. They relate well to others and use these skills best in the helping professions, as doctors, teachers, nurses, social workers, counselors, and other careers that involve extensive contact with the community. Not all individuals with social values hold these types of positions but if not, their values probably surface in other aspects of their lives, whether at home or in the community.

Potential difficulties for people with Social Values

Individuals with social values are sometimes so focused on helping people that they have trouble with organizational tasks or finding ways to cut expenses in today's budget-conscious world (especially if they score low in Realistic or Traditional values). In addition, they may take on too much and become weighed down or burned out by the injustices rampant in the world. They tend to take other people's burdens on their shoulders, and may become overwhelmed or depressed if they perceive themselves to be powerless against the world's injustices. Their faith in people may backfire if they trust the wrong person before they get to know them really well.

You seem to share some characteristics with individuals that have traditional values. Those who uphold this value live their life according to an established belief system, whether it is religious, philosophical, or moral. They don't tend to question their beliefs; they simply live their life in the way that they feel is right and according to the values that were instilled in them over time by their parents and culture. In situations where most people's morals would waver, traditional people strive to staunchly stick by them. They have a clear idea of what is important to them and what they want to accomplish, and do their best to carry out these ideals in the most principled manner possible.

Potential strengths for people with Traditional Values

Individuals with traditional values tend to prefer stability and routine. Money is often considered important to some people with traditional values, as it is a means of obtaining stability. Individuals with traditional values are typically conservative, and tend to follow rules rather then make them. Their obedient nature and conscientiousness allows them to work well within a system in key organizational roles. They don't give up easily, and are persistent even in the face of challenges. Common positions for individuals with traditional values include accountant, secretary, and data entry clerk.

Potential difficulties for people with Traditional Values

People with traditional values are faithful to their loved ones, friends, and employers, but may have trouble understanding and/or accepting individuals whose values are radically divergent. This may cause conflict at work or in social situations where traditional individuals are forced to be around people who are totally different from them. Traditionalists can most certainly be commended for sticking to their principles, but they need to accept that others will have diverse beliefs and viewpoints. Those with traditional values can sometimes be slow or even reluctant to change, which can result in being left behind by advances in technology, corporate philosophy, or worldviews.

You appear to be somewhat motivated by realistic values. People who share this value are most concerned with being productive and useful, and desire to achieve efficient return on the investment of their time, money and effort. They are practical, reasonable, and think their actions through before they act. Investing for their future is one of their top priorities. The affection that people with realistic values share with their family and friends is probably expressed in non-verbal ways, such as putting in time or effort to make a gift, or simply being there when they are needed. Giving themselves is their way of showing that they care and to them, is more meaningful then words.

Potential strengths for people with Realistic Values

Individuals with realistic values weigh each decision they make based on the merits of efficiency and usefulness. If a method or choice doesn't prove economical or productive, they won't support it. In terms of careers, individuals who have realistic values excel in practical occupations with hands-on tasks and/or those that require good motor coordination. They can be interested in business, but are probably not as focused on achieving power or status as in simply earning a good, honest living (depending, however, on whether they also have strong political values). Realistic people tend to be industrious, and rarely bat an eye when faced with a demanding task. They can be trusted to put a dedicated and consistent effort into everything they do, and won't stop until their task is done. It is not uncommon for some realistic people to go above and beyond the call of duty, without being asked.

Potential difficulties for people with Realistic Values

Realistic people have little patience for endeavors that waste time, money or effort. If an idea doesn't prove sensible or has the potential for failure, they may be reluctant to get involved. Those with this value can sometimes be opportunists, in the sense that they would be willing to help others if it proves profitable in return - they are always looking for the best deal and payback, after all. Rather than working for the pride of accomplishing something amazing, some people with this value may only see the benefits of the end result - money.

You identify with some aspects of theoretical values. People with theoretical values regard logical thought and the pursuit of knowledge very highly. They respect the value of education, both formal and informal, and believe in learning for the sake of learning. They don't make decisions based on a set ideology; rather, they try to base their opinions, beliefs, and decisions on "truth". Rather than listening and blindly following what others are saying, people with theoretical values make their own choices based on all the information available to them. This translates to a very deliberate, logical way of thinking. They want to understand how things in the world work, and are not afraid to ask why something is the way it is.

Potential strengths for people with Theoretical Values

People with theoretical values fill both free time and work with opportunities for learning and intellectual growth. These individuals will be comfortable working in an academic environment, in research positions, or as architects, doctors, or computer programmers. They thrive on challenging projects, and can be a great asset when dealing with complex or abstract problems. There are no flights of fancy for these types - their approach to their work is logical, efficient, and well thought out. Given that their curiosity and desire for knowledge is insatiable, their potential to achieve amazing things is forever expanding.

Potential difficulties for people with Theoretical Values

Some individuals with theoretical values prefer to work on their own as opposed to in a group. They may have difficulty expressing their emotions verbally (and may not be entirely comfortable with emotional expression in general). Theoretical individuals can become frustrated with those who don't quickly catch on to new things. Given that they are quite confident in their own intellect - sometimes to the point of arrogance - they can be intimidating to others, especially if their theoretical values aren't paired with strong social values.

People with this value feel that their talents are wasted if they are forced to work in a job that doesn't stimulate their mind. They need to be interested in their work, or they will become extremely bored and unsatisfied. In addition, they are often unproductive and do not reach their full potential if they are not challenged. In order to keep them satisfied, happy, and productive, managers need to feed their desire to learn, and allow them to take classes, attend seminars, and other knowledge-building opportunities.

You appreciate some aspects of aesthetic values. Those who are motivated by aesthetic values wish to surround themselves with beauty, form, and balance. They have a creative, unusual way of thinking, and want the environment that they surround themselves with to be reflective of that. Without creative outlets, they feel extremely stifled. If aesthetic people work or live in an unattractive, dreary environment, it could have a very negative effect on them. Those with aesthetic values have an adventurous nature, and wish to see a lot of different things in their lifetime. As a result, they are drawn to art, literature, music, and other forms of creative expression.

Potential strengths for people with Aesthetic Values

People with aesthetic values are open to many different paths in life. Their friends may often comment that they never know what these individual's hair color/house/garden will look like next time they meet, or what new creation they'll come up with next. Individuals with this value are assets in brainstorming sessions with their "outside-the-box" thinking, and on any project or problem that needs a novel and original solution. They also have an uncanny ability to see beauty in the ordinary, to move others and set fire to their imaginations, to envision the impossible and fanciful, and to put their heart and soul into every creative endeavor. These are people who value being unique, unusual, and radical, and seek to be surrounded by creative, whimsical creations and people. Careers that people with aesthetic values enjoy include: artist, musician, TV producing, art directing, advertising, design, and museum or gallery work.

Potential difficulties for people with Aesthetic Values

A career with lots of freedom and the opportunities to be creative is essential for those with Aesthetic values. Attempts by employers to force aesthetic individuals to be more efficient or productive may backfire, as they have a different way of thinking and need to work in an unstructured environment. Thus, tasks that require a systematic and structured approach would not be their forte. They can be very productive, but on their own terms and at their own pace. Sometimes, aesthetic people may also seem to live in their own little world, and can lose touch with everyday duties and realities. Their idealistic and sometimes impractical view and approach to work (and the world in general) can clash with the approach of more down-to-earth, pragmatic people.

You appear to display some aspects of political values. What is most important for people with political values is to be successful at whatever endeavor they choose. Moreover, they hope to not only achieve success but to be the best at what they do. They have the determination and tenacity to accomplish great things - in fact, they just simply refuse to see their life in any other way. Their eyes are constantly set on the prize, and they won't stop moving forward until they've made a name for themselves, are well respected, and recognized.

Potential strengths for people with Political Values

Individuals with political values tend to make good leaders, and are confident and assertive. Their charm, drive, and energy allow them to excel in business, law, politics, finance, and management type jobs - occupations they seek out for the opportunity to gain status, wealth and power. Employers love these individuals for their motivation and devotion to their job. They take their work very seriously, are not afraid of a challenge (especially if it brings them kudos), and refuse to add the word "failure" to their regular vocabulary. These are take-charge individuals who won't stand idly by when there are opportunities for success to take advantage of. Place them in a group or in a team that is struggling and they'll immediately take charge and strive to make it a success. Like a bloodhound on the scent, sniffing out the path to victory and power is second nature to people with political values.

Potential difficulties for people with Political Values

Political individuals sometimes have trouble separating work from playtime. While it might appear that they have other interests, those at the most extreme end of the political spectrum rarely stop thinking about work. Even in their free time, they are constantly networking and trying to achieve a lifestyle in line with their desire for high status. This may include buying an upscale home or frequenting swanky country clubs and expensive restaurants. These are people who may mistake a high status lifestyle for happiness. Even those at the less extreme end of the spectrum can benefit from separating their free time from their work, as workaholics often live an unhealthy lifestyle filled with stress and little relaxation time. People who are highly motivated by political values and lack other, more humanistic values may also have few qualms about stepping on others in order to get to the top of the career ladder. Above all, they seek to be powerful and to be at the top of the food chain. Coworkers required to work with political individuals might not feel a great sense of camaraderie with them. Political individuals can often be seen as intimidating to competitors - someone to be reckoned with.