5 Jan 2026
Article by Marina Skinner, Principal of Generational Harmony
Are you on track for a good year ahead? The start of a new year always feels like a natural pause point—a chance to reflect on the year that’s been, take stock of where we are now, and set our sights on what we want to change or strengthen as we step forward. Personally, with family, and in business, this moment of reflection matters. And if you want the biggest impact, I believe in keeping things simple. The KISS principle—Keep It Simple, Straightforward—reminds us to start at the beginning: what drives you to do what you do. The answer lies in your values.
When your business is aligned with your values, everything flows more easily. You save time, money, effort, and worry because your decisions are grounded in what matters most to you. Clarity on values means clarity in action. You stop second-guessing, and instead you make choices that feel right, that energise you, and that sustain your drive. On the flip side, when people try to build or run a business that isn’t value-aligned, they often lose energy and motivation. It becomes harder to show up every day with the commitment needed to run it well. Values determine behaviour—so the question is, are your values working for you?
It’s important to remember that values aren’t one-size-fits-all. Even within the same family, values can differ. Some overlap, some diverge, shaped by different needs and experiences. Your beliefs, attitudes, environment, cultural heritage, and upbringing all play a role in shaping what you hold dear. And whether consciously or unconsciously, your mind filters what feels important through the lens of those values. That’s why you’re drawn to certain goals and actions, and why others don’t resonate. Values are the foundation that supports your vision and mission—they are the principles, beliefs, and philosophy that give your business its unique character.
So why is this topic so important, yet often the last one people want to address? Because it requires digging deep. It means getting personal, and for many, that feels uncomfortable. But is it worth it? Absolutely. When you get it right, the return on investment is multiplied many times over. Values lay the foundation for fulfilment, for goals that truly matter, and for a culture that feels authentic. They help you walk your talk.
Exploring your values is like holding up a mirror to your behaviour and your business culture. It shows you what’s driving your decisions and how others experience your leadership. And it invites you to ask the key questions that uncover your core values:
• What is the history of your family and your business?
• What makes your farming family—or any family business—unique?
• What do people say they like about you and your business?
These questions aren’t just reflective exercises; they’re practical tools. They help you see the threads of identity, heritage, and reputation that weave into your values. They remind you that your business is not just about profit—it’s about purpose, legacy, and the way you show up in the world.
As you step into the year ahead, take the time to revisit your values. Ask yourself if they’re visible in your decisions, your culture, and your relationships. Are you walking your talk? If the answer is yes, you’ll find that your business not only runs more smoothly but also feels more fulfilling. And if the answer is not yet, then this is the perfect moment to realign. Because when your values are clear, your vision sharpens, your mission strengthens, and your business becomes not just successful, but truly great.
If you would like the opportunity to learn more about how to achieve more productive and effective communication, consider completing QFF’s Farm Business Resilience Program Expression of Interest form below so we can inform you of upcoming sessions with advisors like Marina.
The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Queensland Government’s Drought and Climate Adaptation Program.