# Show Me Your Values

Participants browse magazines to find an image representing a core value tied to a focus topic, attach it to a shared board, and tell a short story illustrating that value in practice.

**Time:** 35 minutes. Based on the 30 to 45 minute range observed in source documentation; structured here for 35 minutes.
**People:** 4 to 12. Individual image selection followed by small-group or whole-circle story sharing.

## Choose this exercise

**Purpose:** Surface perceived operating values and tangible cultural stories across an initiative or team.
**Use it when:** Use during team formation, culture discovery, or change management kickoffs when exploring the actual or desired principles guiding daily work.
**Skip it when:** Skip when the group lacks a shared operational context or when immediate tactical task prioritization is needed instead of culture exploration.

## Materials and tools

- Assorted magazines, image catalogs, or photo collections (at least 2 to 3 per participant)
- 1 pair of scissors per participant (or shared across tables)
- Rolls of masking tape or glue dots
- 1 sheet of chart paper or large whiteboard marked with the focus topic
- Sticky notes and fine-tip markers

## Before participants arrive

1. Write the designated focus topic across the top of the main wall or bulletin board (e.g., 'Our Team Values' or 'Project Culture').
2. Spread magazines, scissors, tape, and markers across participant tables before convening.

## Say this to open

Welcome. Today we are mapping the values that drive our work on [Topic]. Over the next 10 minutes, browse through the magazines on your table. Select one or two images that visually represent a value you associate with our topic, cut them out, and think of a short, 60-second real story that illustrates that value in action. You will tape your picture on the board and share your example.

## How to run it

### 1. Introduce topic and browse images (10 minutes)

Explain the focus topic and invite participants to leaf through magazines. Participants choose 1 or 2 pictures that capture a core value or operating principle. They cut out the image and jot a single value word on a sticky note to accompany it.

### 2. Post images to shared wall (5 minutes)

Invite everyone to tape their image and value note on the shared board under the topic banner. Participants can place similar ideas near each other if they notice emerging themes.

### 3. Share visual stories (12 minutes)

Call on volunteers in turn. Each person takes up to 60 seconds to explain why they chose the image and shares a brief workplace story or concrete example showing that value in practice. Anyone may pass on speaking.

### 4. Debrief and cluster patterns (8 minutes)

Guide the group to review the entire gallery. Group related images, identify common principles, and note any surprising gaps or missing perspectives.


## Debrief questions

- Which values appeared repeatedly across different images?
- What important values do you feel are missing or underrepresented on this wall?
- How do the stories we heard match the way we make decisions every day?

**Finished output:** A physical or digital visual gallery of team values paired with concrete operational stories.

## Remote

Set up a shared digital whiteboard with the focus topic header. Ask participants to search an open-license image library or take a photo around their space, paste it onto the board with a one-word label, and share their story using audio and video.

## Hybrid

In-person members use physical magazines and tape images to the room wall while a facilitator takes photos and uploads them to the virtual whiteboard. Remote members paste digital images directly. Alternate speakers between physical and remote rooms during the story phase.

## Access and participation choices

- Participants may sketch an image or write descriptive words instead of flipping through paper magazines if cutting or browsing printed material is inaccessible.
- Storytelling is voluntary; participants may post an image with only a written label and pass on speaking aloud.

## If the session gets stuck

**Participants struggle to find an exact visual match for an abstract concept like integrity or accountability.**

Remind the room that metaphors and indirect associations are encouraged. For example, a picture of a bridge can represent reliability.

**Storytelling runs long and eats into reflection time.**

Use a visible 60-second timer per speaker and request that participants focus on one specific situation rather than an overarching philosophy.


## Terms used here

- Focus Topic: The specific team, initiative, or organization whose operating culture is being examined.

## Sources and adaptation

Observed on Workshop Weaver, which notes inspiration from Gamestorming ('Value Tease').

Retained core magazine cutout mechanic, topic boarding, and storytelling from Workshop Weaver / Gamestorming source records. UWT added explicit step timing for a 35-minute run, precise hybrid parity steps, inclusion choices, and concrete debrief questions.

[Workshop Weaver](https://workshopweaver.com/facilitation-methods/knowledge-game-value-tease)

Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/show-me-your-values-facilitation-method/