Each of the Value categories listed below represents both a value as well as personality strength. For example, “wisdom and knowledge” are values that you may embrace and strive for in your life through formal education and through learning what you can from your colleagues and family. At the same time, these are also a strength that you might leverage in your relationships as well as in the workplace.
The items under each Values category are similar in that they could be considered both strengths and values, but think of them predominantly as strengths when you complete this survey. Ask yourself, to what extent is each of these a part of my personality?
Address each of the questions below by circling the number that best applies. Use the following scale when choosing the number:
1 = Not at all part of my personality
2 = Slightly part of my personality
3 = Somewhat part of my personality
4 = Very much part of my personality
5 = Completely a part of my personality
Personal Values Survey
Value 1 — WISDOM and KNOWLEDGE: Cognitive strengths in this values category entail the acquisition and use of knowledge
Creativity
1 2 3 4 5 Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.
Curiosity
1 2 3 4 5 You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.
Love of Learning
1 2 3 4 5 You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.
Open-mindedness
1 2 3 4 5 Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness. Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.
Perspective
1 2 3 4 5 Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself.
Value 2 — HUMANITY: Interpersonal strengths in this values category involve tending and befriending others
Kindness
1 2 3 4 5 You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.
Capacity to Love and be Loved
1 2 3 4 5 You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.
Social Intelligence
1 2 3 4 5 You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit in to different social situations and you know what to do to put others at ease.
Value 3 — COURAGE: Emotional strengths in this values category involve the exercise of will to accomplish goals in the face of opposition, external or internal
Authenticity
1 2 3 4 5 You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a “real” person.
Bravery
1 2 3 4 5 You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.
Persistence
1 2 3 4 5 You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you “get it out the door” in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.
Zest
1 2 3 4 5 Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.
Value 4 — JUSTICE: Civic strengths in this values category underlie healthy community life
Fairness
1 2 3 4 5 Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.
Leadership
1 2 3 4 5 You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a good job organizing activities and seeing that they happen.
Teamwork
(citizenship, social responsibility, loyalty)
1 2 3 4 5
You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, you always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group.
Value 5 — TEMPERENCE: Strengths in this values category protect against excess
Forgiveness and Mercy
1 2 3 4 5
You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.
Modesty and Humility
1 2 3 4 5 You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as special, and others recognize and value your modesty.
Prudence
1 2 3 4 5 You are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent ones. You do not say or do things that you might later regret.
Self-regulation
(Self-control)
1 2 3 4 5
You self-consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined person. You are in control of your appetites and your emotions, not vice versa
Value 6 — TRANSCENDENCE: Strengths in this values category forge connections to the larger universe and provide meaning
Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence
1 2 3 4 5
You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.
Gratitude
1 2 3 4 5 You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.
Hope
1 2 3 4 5
You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.
Humor
(Playfulness)
1 2 3 4 5
You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You try to see the light side of all situations.
Religiousness and Spirituality
(Faith, purpose)
1 2 3 4 5
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.
Average Scores Tabulation
Calculate your average for each Value category. Total your scores, then divide the total by the number of questions in each section. The result is your average score for that Value category.
My average scores are:
My Value 1 – average is __________.
My Value 2 – average is __________.
My Value 3 – average is __________.
My Value 4 – average is __________.
My Value 5 – average is __________.
My Value 6 – average is __________.
My 3 highest averages are:
My highest Value is __________.
My second highest Value is __________.
My third highest Value is __________.
