Values and Zero Sum Thinking

I have just read my umpteenth book (and article) on ethics, values, values and leadership, values and planning, etc. Virtually all the writers confuse or fail to differentiate between "be" values and "do" values, which leads to planning confusion. "Be" values, generally virtues as I use the term, such as integrity, compassion, teachability, courage, etc. are those you and your organization want to increasingly become. They "saturate" the decision and behavioral environment, so to speak, like dye a fabric. Furthermore, they do not lie on some sort of common continuum between each other - as one increases another diminishes. Each has its own dimension. Ideally, we want to be fully mature in each value. The concept of "core" really is not a good way to attempt to think of these values. Developing those is a continuous process.
"Do" values are values that require activity such as family time, recreation, personal development, spiritual development, etc. Since they require activity, they take time and are subject to allocation limits. This means that such principles as balance, prioritization, defining a core set, time management, etc. do pertain to these values.

Differentiating the nature of the values will help avoid confusion and, therefore, our strategy for dealing and moving toward our values. - Both types are important but require totally different approaches.