Value Exchange

What is Value Exchange?

Value Exchange is a regular practice of structured reflection and authentic conversation that helps people break free from the assumptions, habits, and systems they’ve grown used to—like “escaping The Matrix”—so they can genuinely work together to tackle important social, economic, and environmental problems.

Why Value Exchange?

In today’s world, most of us are caught within institutional, organisational, and technological structures that shape our thinking, limit our perspectives, and hinder genuine collaboration. Value Exchange helps people step outside these constraints, fostering deeper understanding, trust, and cooperation based on universal human values.

How Does Value Exchange Work?

Value Exchange is a cyclical process involving:

Regular Reflection: Every 1–3 months, participants document and reflect on their experiences, exploring their personal stories, motivations, and purposes.
Authentic Dialogue: Participants engage in structured conversations with peers, mentors, and coaches, facilitating deeper insight into shared values and collective goals.
Ongoing Practice: Through continuous engagement, individuals progressively develop the ability to collaborate authentically and effectively.

Key Components of Value Exchange

Your Story: Capturing your life experiences and pivotal moments that shape your current understanding and direction.
Your “Why”: Defining your purpose clearly—answering, “What change do you want to see in the world?”
Valuable Outcomes: Identifying meaningful outcomes you want to contribute to, including stakeholders and collaborators involved.
Building Social Capital: Establishing a supportive network of peers, supporters, mentors, coaches who actively contribute to your Value Exchange journey.
Non-Financial Value: Recognising and articulating the value derived beyond monetary considerations.
Personal Financial Clarity: Clearly understanding and planning your financial requirements and how they will be met.

What Do We Mean by “Work”?

“Work” refers broadly to all activities that require your time, effort, and commitment. This includes formal employment, volunteering, personal projects, caregiving, and any other meaningful engagement. Value Exchange acknowledges that valuable contributions extend far beyond monetary reward.

Benefits of Practicing Value Exchange

Solve Problems: Your problems, organisational, social, societal problems, economic problem THROUGH:

Authenticity: Be your genuine self, free from external labels and societal expectations.
Clarity and Focus: Regular reflections help you understand and clarify your purpose and direction.
Stronger Connections: Build trust and deep relationships based on shared values and mutual understanding.
Empowered Collaboration: Align with people who are on your mission!

History and Vision

Since 1999, we have explored, practiced, and refined this narrative-based approach to personal and collective development. Rooted in the belief that authentic human stories can drive meaningful change, we have continually tested and refined the Value Exchange process among ourselves, our teams, and our clients. Today, we proudly offer this practice freely to everyone committed to building a more sustainable, cooperative, and authentic world.

Join us on this journey—let’s escape The Matrix together.

Diagram of Ethos Value Exchange Dynamic process by Sarah Fay, Young Leader

What others have said

“We all have an equal stake in the organisation, and individual contributions are recognised through “value exchanges” that allow the flexibility to both work and contribute as well as balance other areas of our lives too….take this opportunity to think differently about working and living well, and yes some play! could be the way forward.” Gavin Thomas, former President, Police Superintendents Association

“ I feel incredibly grateful to work with an organisation that encourages me to do what is best for me, whatever that might be and I’m excited for what’s next. This is the power of Value Exchange and it is truly life-changing (not a plug, just a fact!)” – Charlotte Kinloch, Young Leader Graduate

“Looking for a more healthy work life balance is a good thing, there is always another way. I needed to step back and give myself permission to do something a little radical and completely different and put my “life work“ balance first…The focus is on the individual, their skills and what they can bring to a Work Live Well environment where value exchange is key.” – Linda Wall, Retired Police Detective Chief Inspector

If you would like permission to engage with your own Value Exchange journey then you have it, go for it! Get in touch to get started.

https://www.ethosvo.org/category/social-impact-stories/

https://www.ethosvo.org/benefits-of-doing-things-differently/

https://www.ethosvo.org/introducing-the-value-exchange-dynamic-a-better-way-to-engage-with-your-work/

https://www.ethosvo.org/all-work-and-no-play-makes-for/

https://www.ethosvo.org/a-t-shirt-does-not-a-wonder-woman-make/