Core Values
As you read this your first question is probably why is an article about my core values doing in the technology section? Hopefully, this will be answered.
Core Values are beliefs that an individual, a family, a company and even a community hold. Every action and every decision, among the million we make each day, in some way, through behaviors and actions, reflects upon our values and our belief system. These ideals are inextricably linked, and flow seamlessly into one another. They are often bidirectional, that is - what one can expect to receive he should also expect to give.
We all have core values that drive us, but it takes introspection to realize what they are and categorize them. After doing this discipline, I am ready to display mine. They are the values I live by, teach my children, and run my life.
1. Knowledge - Each day is different for billions of inhabitants of this planet. As our continents drift together and apart, physically and metaphorically, news, as well as weather is created. Man is gifted with the cognitive ability to explore, to learn and to use knowledge to make the earth better or worse.
Yet, the world and our lives are far from perfect, and only improve through a process. This process begins with knowledge, therefore so do my core values. Knowledge is a prerequisite to understanding.
One does not need to use imagination to understand why nephron.com is comprised of a very powerful news aggregating engine. It is fundamental to my being to pursue knowledge, and a core essential to my ability to progress and make a difference as a doctor and as a citizen of this planet.
2. Understanding - To understand and be understood is the prerequisite for every action that we take toward our visions, objectives and goals. Understanding people is a requisite for relating. It requires perception and is clouded by misperception. It necessitates communication, but regrettably ceases with emotion. Being able to look at an issue from all sides and derive a substantive conclusion is most healthy for every relationship, and on every level.
Understanding is also being able to assemble knowledge, moving from the vast data that pours into our lives constantly and parsing it for that which will lead to our betterment.
3. Integrity - Integrity makes all else possible or impossible. It must be the cornerstone of how we live our lives. To be able to trust and be trusted is a matter of survival with respect to any relationship, business dealing, or pursuit. But honesty must be taken a step further. Honesty with oneself is a prerequisite for using knowledge and understanding. One who cannot face a hard truth cannot ever move beyond it. Integrity emcompasses accountability, taking responsibility so that one can ultimately achieve a sense of accomplishment.
4. Respect - This is the culmination and benefit of our core values, and yet is intertwined. To give respect means that one values colleagues, and is practically the only true way to work together. Respect is a feeling one has for others, and it the natural consequence of respect is providing good service. Service excellence results when a company values its customers or clients, and when doctors values their patients. It is bidirectional, and directly leads to team fulfillment. To get respect means that the system is working and that we are able to progress.
Respecting people occurs with understanding and integrity, and getting respect from patients is necessary if one is going to make a positive difference in their lives.
5. Contributing - This is what it is about - being able to combine the other values above and create the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of my family, my children, my patients and my colleagues is a value I will always cherish. Honesty, it keeps me alive. Contributing is sharing wisdom in a way that leads to the betterment of others. It is often a challenge, and requires innovation and ingenuity. It leads to the thrill that a physician achieves when a patient does well.
6. Accomplishment - As one contributes and makes a difference, one is able to derive a sense of accomplishment. Achievement is not a solitary act, and is the culmination of a team effort, so the associated feelings should be shared with the team that made it possible.
7. Joy - There are many rewards one can earn, but none surpass the internal joy of seeing a job well done, a child achieve, a patient recover, or a person one loves very much happy. These joys renew our vigor and recycle our energy.
Well, these are my basic core values, and they drive my behavior and my activities. You are witness to one of them, nephron.com - so maybe now you understand what this is all about.