Why I wrote Junk Values

Ever wondered why I wrote Junk Values?

This week, two things have reminded me.

Firstly, a skit at the very start of Wankernomics about the Values Consultant who charges $100,000 to write a set of meaningless words on a whiteboard.

Secondly, Twenty Twenty Six, in which Hugh Bonneville's character has progressed from Head of Values at the BBC to Director of Integrity at the world football governing body.

These jokes do genuinely make me laugh, because like all good jokes, they are simply caricaturing the truth.

But they are evidence of something frustrating.

Forget the word 'values' for a minute. It has been misused and in the process has become meaningless.

What I am talking about is putting into place deep-rooted principles that underpin decision making, build trust and support reputation, and ensuring their use. It's a world away from flippant.

Tempting as it may be to charge $100,000 to write 'collaborative', 'integrity' and 'respect' on a whiteboard, I'm not sure I could live with myself.

So yes, that's why I wrote Junk Values.