How do we define value?

How do you define value? What do you consider valuable? The traditional definition of value is monetary. The more something is worth in dollar terms, the more it is valuable. But in the context of an ever changing, challenging and increasingly individualistic world, is this classical definition of VALUE still the way forward?

Can value be defined and viewed from the perspective of collective value? Could it be that value can be derived from how much something helps others, how much your project or initiative actually benefits and helps others have better lives?

Collective value is also sustainable for our planet. It is not just enough to help people, alleviate their pain, improve their lives and help them get things done. It means doing all this but with a net positive or zero impact on our planet, it’s resources, environment and other living organisms. Collective value means we actually care about the future and that we are leaving this world better than how we found it.

Whether you are in the business of products or services, at Kumilos Vision we believe that value is truly created when we help solve someone’s problems in a sustainable way and thus ease their pain. In doing so, you are creating happy customers who stay loyal. Loyal and happy customers mean bigger revenues and profits. It’s that simple.

But here is the real secret: value is derived from PEOPLE. People are the key. In our rush to get things done and go straight to solution mode, we sometimes forget that people is what matters most, whether we are talking about customers, stakeholders, project team members or employees. Happy people means good business. Happy people means better project results. It’s actually that simple.

If you focus on people, you understand pains and gains, you understand what makes people tick and what drives them. You understand why people get out of bed everyday. No one starts their day wanting to do a bad job and we believe that there are no bad people, just bad contexts. It is up to leaders to decide where their priorities lie.

It all starts with how we define value, and what we consider valuable. Isn’t that what we are trying to create ultimately? When we have a great idea, and the idea turns into a project, aren’t we trying to ultimately create value?

If that is so, then remember why you want to create value, how you define it , and most importantly WHO you are creating it for. Only then will true VALUE be created.