Values vary

 It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that everyone shares your values when the truth is that there is a great diversity of values out there--what you value may be quite different from what a family member or friend values, and it's important to understand that.

Years ago I was dismayed when a friend didn't act in ways that I expected. Looking back at that situation, I had misjudged the friend's values--values I thought we shared, we didn't share, and that was at the root of the situation. What I expected of the friend was not in her value set--I projected my values on her. That was wrong. 

When working with others, it is important to understand their value set and take that seriously. For example if you project your values on someone else, you may expect them to act as you would in a situation, when in truth they are operating with different values and therefore acting differently. So perhaps, as we work to collaborate with friends and family members, it's essential to consider their value set first--to understand their priorities, and what and why they act as they do. 

It is also important not to let others hijack your values. For example, if they don't value what you do, you don't have to allow them to stomp on your values, ridicule you for your values, or not take your values seriously. 

So, know your values--know what's important to you, and when working with others, understand their values too. This understanding can empower your life and your collaboration with others too.