The Priority Problem: When Every Value Can't Be Number One

In this episode, Ian Banner and Steve Forbes dive deep into one of the most practical frameworks for building authentic organisational culture: the Care Ladder. Moving beyond generic corporate values that gather dust on office walls, they explore how teams can discover what they genuinely care about and turn those insights into powerful decision-making tools.

Steve introduces the Care Ladder concept—a prioritised hierarchy of team values that forces hard choices and creates real clarity when competing priorities clash. Ian shares creative facilitation techniques, from bubble sorting to physical movement exercises, that help teams uncover their authentic values through structured discovery processes.

The conversation reveals why cultural change must occur indirectly through values, behaviours, and systems rather than through top-down mandates. They explore the ancient wisdom of "know yourself" and how team self-knowledge becomes the foundation for sustainable transformation. Whether you're leading organisational change or trying to align your team around shared priorities, this episode provides actionable frameworks you can implement immediately.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Care Values

01:02 Understanding the Care Ladder

04:56 Implementing the Care Ladder in Teams

09:59 Facilitating Team Values Discussions

16:38 The Relationship Between Values and Culture

18:56 Indirectly Changing Culture Through Values

23:48 Conclusion: The Importance of Caring in Teams

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