When we are little, we adopt our parents’ values as our own, before we become influenced by our friends, their parents, religion, culture and other social groups and communities.

At times, our values may change and what we held true as children is no longer valid. This is often an unconscious process that only gets realised when some of our values either conflict with each other or with what we (have to or choose to) do, for example at work.

A values alignment gives you clarity about the values that you have currently and the ones you wish or need to have (for example if you start a business or need to get out of a relationship), brings them into the most appropriate order and helps you to make your values strong and supportive in order to achieve your goal(s).

Talking about classics, Stephen R. Covey’s “7 Habits Of Highly Effective People” is an essential not only for people in business, but for anybody who is looking to improve their personal performance.
With lots of examples and insights, this book is a must! Look inside

You read a book from beginning to end. You run a business the opposite way. You start with the end, and then you do everything you must to reach it.
- Harold S. Geneen

Building a business is as well an art as it is a skill that anybody with access to the right resources can learn. Browse at Amazon for books about building a business or get some ideas from the business building must-reads collection below:

Michael Gerber’s “The E-Myth Revisited” is a classic among business books. Embedded in the story of Sarah, who owns a pie shop that is taking all her energy without producing the revenue it could, Michael Gerber explains the different skill sets needed to run a successful business.
If you think of becoming a business owner, consider whether you are a Technician, a Manager or an Entrepreneur and where you are most comfortable with.
Highly recommended to read through while you are still in the planning process! Look inside

Following up on”The E-Myth Revisited”, the “E-Myth Mastery” is as useful to initially build a business as it is to improve an existing one.
Sarah’s story goes on and with some advice, her business steps up to the next level.
Admittedly, some parts are challenging – but the better the foundation, the better the business.
With even more hands on tips and checklists, this book can very well be worth the effort. Look inside

Accidentally, coincidently or however you want to call the circumstances – I recently watched a wonderful movie called “Kinky Boots”.

It is the story of a young man, Charlie, who inherits his father’s shoe factory. The declining need for the kind of shoes they usually make and the loss of a big contract prompt the young man to look for other opportunities and he more or less coincidently finds a fantastic niche market and even the perfect designer for his new boots. But although the perspectives are great, he is a bit hesitant.

The reason: The fabric is situated in Northampton and the majority of people who live there are very conservative (just the kind of people who would buy the old fashioned shoes the fabric used to produce).
His idea: to make shoes and boots for transvestites.
His designer: Lola/Simon, Drag-Queen and owner of the club where the transvestites meet.

The story shows the development of two very different men who have made very different choices about how to cope with their fathers’ suppressions and how their professional and business success is interdependent with their personal development.

It is a story of persistence, sense of responsibility, commitment, humanity and humility, and most of all, a story of courage. The courage to be who you are, to stand up for your dream, the courage to take a risk, to think outside the square and to think big.

What I like most about it is that the movie is based on a real story. And these kind of stories happen again and again every day. You also have a story in you that is worth mentioning. Whether you think of starting a business or just recently did, step up on the ladder of responsibility or if you want to swap careers – inevitably you will have to learn new people and/or professional skills before you can do it or at least, to keep you there.

Transition Guidance will soon be offering an e-book called “Inspired Leadership – How To Motivate Yourself And Others” which is designed to support you in asking yourself the right questions and to assist you in your own personal and professional development, whichever you need first or more of. Check it out.