Core values are defined as the unchangeable philosophicalunderpinnings that inform your choices and decisions and do not changeover time. In sum, they are non-negotiables. These non-negotiables maycome from your upbringing, your religious beliefs, or any combination oflife experiences.
Argyris and Schon (1974) indicated in their research that thougheveryone has values they espouse or profess, those may not be the actualvalues they use when they act. From their studies, they concluded thereare two theories related to your non-negotiables: a theory consistentwith what you say and a theory consistent with what you do. Argyris andSchon contend that often people do not know they are using two differenttheories, but often a different theory is evident in behavior than theone stated as a value. For example, you may state that your value isfamily, but you may work long hours away from family. It does not meanyou do not value family, but your espoused value may be different thanyour value in use.
Part of growing as a leader is related to mindset and the willingness to have what Dweck (2006) labeled a growth mindset.The willingness to look at yourself honestly and ponder whether thevalues you profess are the values you put into practice day in and dayout will allow you to grow in leadership.
Lawrence Kohlberg (Collaborative Leadership Network, n.d.) is bestknown for his stages of moral development and his work with moraldilemmas. He posited that post conventional moral reasoning (as a matureadult would reason) is driven by empathy and universal moralprinciples. He noted that courage needs to be a factor in ensuring theseprinciples are acted upon in the face of opposition.
Are you open to identifying your values with an awareness that somevalues you hold may not necessarily show in your actions? Do you want toconsider adding courage as an added espoused value?
For your initial post:

Complete the Individual Core Values Identification (Concordia University – Portland, n.d.-a).

Write a 2- to 3-paragraph reflection on your top five values.
In your reflection, discuss whether you believe your espoused values are the same as your values in use.
Support your thinking with at least one example in your daily life or work that illustrates a value in use.

Support your statements with evidence from the required studies and your research. Cite and reference your sources in APA style.
References
Argyris, C., & Schon, D. (1974). Theory in practice: Increasing professional effectiveness. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.
Collaborative Leadership Network. (n.d.-a). Lawrence Kohlberg’sstages of moral reasoning. Retrieved fromhttp://www.leadershipskillsandvalues.com/lessons-a”¦
Concordia University – Portland. (n.d.). Core leadership values identification [Course survey]. Retrieved from http://resources.cu-portland.edu/corevalues/
Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York, NY: Ballantine Books.