As you may already know, Axiology deals with identifying the underlying thinking process one uses to make sense and meaning out of their experiences. After nearly 50 years of research, we now know that our capacity to make accurate judgments and decisions is based on what we pay most and least attention to and how well we are able to understand what we see.

More and more business leaders are coming to realize that their change initiatives can't work unless they help their people make the personal adjustments necessary to meet the challenges of organizational change.

Using the Value profile, consultants are now able to provide their clients with in-depth insights into the thought processes that influence their decisions and actions. We know that self understanding is critical to making change. Unfortunately, very few of us have a clear understanding of the underlying values and beliefs that so greatly influence our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us. And, until the Value Profile, there has been no accurate and objective way for us to measure how our unique, individual thinking systems really work.

Over the past ten years I have come to believe that the insights the Value Profile provides can make a tremendous contribution to improving the lives of people and the performance of their organizations. By helping people become more aware of why and how they make their decisions, we can empower them to recognize options that can lead to more satisfying and rewarding choices and outcomes.

The Value Profile approaches self understanding from two perspectives, first how we interpret our perceptions of the world we see as "outside" ourselves and second, how we relate to our "inner" self. While these act as two very different dimensions, both views are also occurring simultaneously. In both the World and Self View there are three levels of value, intrinsic, extrinsic and systemic value.

Intrinsic Value is the highest order of value in that it encompasses all that is unique and irreplaceable, i.e., that which is beyond measure. In the world view this includes other people and as well as our sense of intuition and compassion. In the self view, intrinsic value includes the degree of positive attention and value we give ourselves, just for "being" ourselves, i.e., our self esteem.

Extrinsic Value is the second level of value in that it encompasses those things that are replaceable. In the world view extrinsic includes all that is measurable, tangible, of the five senses. It deals with our attitudes and beliefs about money and material things, our approach and focus on details and handling tasks. In the self view extrinsic value relates to how we see ourselves in terms of external measurements that relate to our attitudes about success and responsibility including our job, title, income, status, image etc.

Systemic Value is the lowest order of value because it relates to ideas and concepts that can change depending on point of view or time in history. In the world view systemic value relates to rules, policies, procedures, laws and to structure, order and planning. In the self view systemic values relate to our personal values, and beliefs, including what we think is right or wrong, good or bad, what we believe we "oughta" or "haveta" do to measure up to our idea of who we think we must be.

The matrix that is created when looking at how an individual thinks and reacts in each of these six interrelated dimensions gives an extraordinarily accurate and telling portrait of each individuals unique approach to interpreting their reality.

Gaining insights into how we actually make our relative choices in and between these dimensions provides a strong starting point for developing a clear an concise understanding of ourselves. These insights enable us to acknowledge and celebrate or greatest strengths, to work on or get help with issues that may not serve us as well and can show us how where and how and where we can make the changes necessary to achieve our goals.

Because the Value Profile deals with how we think rather than how we behave, it can "get at" the underlying reasons for our actions. These insights can prove invaluable to one's personal growth and also to mentors and mangers who are trying to help their people find a more effective road to personal success.

Next month I will focus on Intrinsic Value in the World Dimension and explore the implications of the wide range of thinking patterns that people demonstrate relative to relationships and their attention to their intuitive capacities.

Axiology is new to most people, but it is catching fast as the most unique approach to personal insight available today. Please let me know if you, or a consultant or business friend would like to learn more about using Axiology.

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