An esoteric presentation by a neuroscientist, Molly Crockett, at TedX Zurich on 4 October, opened with questions about how we don’t object when our neighbors and friends have different opinions about the taste of blue cheese, but we view them differently when their opinions on moral values don’t align with our own.

She emphasized that we need to distinguish fact from opinion and avoid believing the “My facts trump your facts.” It’s better, she said, to at least try to change a person’s attachment to a set of values, even if it’s not possible to change the values themselves.

That presentation brought to mind some critical business questions for thought leaders: Are the professionals in your organization attached to your set of values? Are they the right values? Does your organization’s commitment to those values need a “refresh”? Should the renewal of those “value vows” start top down or bottom up?

It’s great to ask the questions but it’s more important to answer them honestly – to really look at the facts – and then to take the action needed. Ask, assess, then act. Contact us – we’re here to help.