Richard Wilson: putting family values above the kitchen table
Richard described posting ten family values above his kitchen table and using them when explaining rewards and consequences to his children.
The values were placed where the family met
He linked the idea to his experience learning the Scout Oath and the words used to describe Scout values. In his family example, the values became something the children could see during ordinary home life.
The reference appeared in actual decisions
Richard said the family used those values when discussing behavior and decisions about people joining the household. The account moves beyond having a statement written down. It identifies a location for it and occasions when the family referred to it.
In Richard C. Wilson's words
"We came up with 10 values. We have it posted above our kitchen table" (Richard C. Wilson, How to Start a Family Office mini-series)
How to use this
- Record the decisions in which a family actually refers to its stated values.
- Connect an example of behavior with the specific value being discussed.
Questions and answers
Where did Richard say the values were posted?
Above the family's kitchen table.
How did he describe using them?
They gave the family a reference for explaining behavior and household decisions.