Values / Building Character Describe a person of good character by Identifying specific traits they possess

Values A value is a belief, a mission, or a philosophy that is meaningful – Values can range from the commonplace, such as the belief in hard work and punctuality, to the more psychological, such as self-reliance, concern for others, and harmony of purpose.

Values and Business Just as individuals subscribe to values, so do organizations and institutions. In fact, if we were to examine any company, we would discover that one or more business values was the key to their success.

Business Examples Sears' commitment to trusting the customer. [From the 19th century onward, any product could be returned to the company with a money back guarantee, which engendered great trust in both directions, enabling booming sales, and, the great success for the firm that followed.]

Business Examples Apple Computer's belief in the values of solving problems of society. [The company created the IPod player and ITunes online music store to overcome a conflict between those who sought to download copyrighted music for free and the music industry which sought to protect its artists and its revenues.]

Business Examples Marriott's values of systemization and standardization. [The company created a standard model hotel, and then duplicated it hundreds of time around the world, enabling it to grow incredibly fast, and become the leader of its industry.]

Political Example Political parties and politicians subscribe to certain core values -- ranging from helping the poor, easing the burden of the middle class, improving the environment, making government responsive and efficient, engendering loyalty and unity, and so forth.

Cultural Values Cultural values - practice of your faith and customs – principles that sustain connections with your cultural roots. – They help you feel connected to a larger community of people with similar backgrounds.

Family Values consists of ideas passed down from generation to generation – Three traditional basic tasks in life have been described as work, play and love – All of them are important and it takes work to balance these tasks

Social Values Social values are principles that indicate how you relate meaningfully to others in social situations – including those involving family, friends, and co- workers.

Internal/External Beliefs Playing an instrument? Participating in a sport? Attending school? Family functions? Volunteer work? Grades? Fashion/Clothing? Bike helmet? Faith/Religion? Others???

Internal and External Influences

Character Way in which a person thinks, feels and acts – Involves: understanding, caring about and acting upon certain values – Character is not something you show only once in a while…it’s a part of who you are and how you live

6 main traits of good character Trustworthiness Respect Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship

What influences Character? Parents and Guardians – earliest Stories – Morals and lessons Life Experiences – Sports or games can build and reinforce Examples Set by Others – Role models…inspiration / friends parents / coaches / teachers / advisors

Trustworthiness – Trustworthy…reliable – Trustworthy…honest or truthful – Trustworthy …loyal and faithful – Trustworthy people have integrity Integrity-quality of doing what you know is right – Find money laying around… do you keep it or turn it in for the rightful owner?

Respect Consider others feelings? Listen without criticizing? Respect yourself? abstain from dangerous or high-risk behaviors

More Vocab Tolerance-ability to accept other people as they are Prejudice-an opinion or fear formed without having facts or firsthand knowledge

Responsibility – Responsibility increases with age Accountability-willingness to answer for your actions and decisions – Accountable teens : – Don’t blame others for their mistakes – Accept consequences of their actions

Fairness Obey a set of rules – Trait learned early in life – Sharing young age Including and supporting others- no matter skill level, gender or ethnic background – Open mind-listen to others that differ from you – Competition and contests– are you a good sport? Win or lose?

Caring Kind to others Consider their feelings Empathy-ability to understand and show concern for another person’s feelings – Don’t take revenge when mistreated…forgive – Spirit of giving…not just material gifts but giving of yourself – Sharing time and talents

Citizenship Way you conduct yourself as a member of the community – GOOD CITIZENS find ways to improve their surroundings – Respect community (includes neighborhood, school or whole city) – Protect the environment – Stay active in the community-volunteer