Power of Values in Action

Values multiply the power of action and its results. Values express in physical acts, in attitudes and in thoughts. Each has its own power.

We all know that a skilled act generates greater results than an unskilled one. The skilled worker—carpenter, painter, accountant, salesman, lawyer, physician—produces a more useful, beneficial or beautiful result in a shorter period of time with less waste. What is not often recognized is that skilled work expressing values produces far greater results.

The master chef may find his finest dish rejected when he fails to serve it on a clean platter. The skilled driver who lacks the value of punctuality may cause his employer to miss a crucial meeting or a great opportunity. The clever accountant who lacks the value of orderliness can misplace an important document or even a customer’s payment, as an accountant in a public sector transport company once misplaced a draft for a crore of rupees. The brilliant arguments of a skilled advocate may fail to persuade when the judge that knows he lacks the value of truthfulness. The dynamic, visionary businessman who lacks the value of taking the other person’s point of view may fail to win the favour of a big customer or the support of his own people at a crucial moment.

Values exist in an ascending series of planes, each higher plane being more powerful than the one before it. Physical values express in how carefully and reliably we handle material things. Vital values express in how pleasantly, harmoniously, generously we relate with other people. Mental values express in honesty, truthfulness, trustworthiness and idealism. Spiritual values express our faith, sincerity, patience, perseverance, goodwill and self-giving. Every act is a universe which can express many values. The more it expresses, the greater its power and effectiveness.