CVS: Compelling Value
& Stewardship
The CVS can be the most difficult (and often frustrating) MDNA to recognize and define. The most helpful way to describe the CVS is being “resourceful” and “value-driven.” Being resourceful makes the CVS the most flexible and diverse of all the MDNA gifts as far as professional acumen. It is not uncommon to see this MDNA in start-up capacities because of their wide range of abilities and interests. Their ability to manage networks of resources, including people and finances, to generate return on investment is unparalleled. Managing resources and generating ROI (not just in business, however) is the basic concept behind stewardship. Not only does the CVS drive value, but does so in such a compelling way that a legacy develops. In other words, the CVS is the ultimate trustee in an organization. They are like the gift that keeps on giving. However, the CVS is prone to independence and risk aversion by accumulating resources and finding security in them. Although private by nature, this gift can connect the dots to achieve strategic value.
CVS: Examples
Some examples of popular CVS’, today and throughout history, are Andrew Carnegie, leader of the American steel industry and author of the article “Gospel of Wealth”; Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft and global philanthropist; the famous investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway; former First Lady of the United States and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton; Gene Simmons, co-founder of the rock band Kiss that has sold over 100 million albums; and Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of the Grameen Bank also known as the “Banker to the poor.”
(Celebrity profiles are unofficial, unverified and for educational purposes only.)
CVS: Brand Culture
In business, the organization with this Motivational Value System is imprinted with the brand profile, “Valued Accessibility.” By nature, this type of organization is diverse and flexible in what it offers. These organizations provide the market with access to products or services as a value proposition. It is not uncommon to see financial service companies in this Brand Culture profile, however many of the Silicon Valley startups fall here as well. The internet startups today are providing unprecedented access online to value their customers want.
The Valued Accessibility organization’s core competence is stewardship. Stewardship is defined by how one manages resources. Therefore companies that practice stewardship are the gifts that keep on giving. For example, The Giving Pledge is a campaign to encourage the wealthiest people in the world to make a commitment to give most of their wealth to philanthropic causes focusing on billionaires. This is stewardship in action.
For example, Bill Gates’ initial vision for Microsoft was access to personal computing i.e. a computer in every home. McDonald’s, the fast-food brand, has become wildly successful with drive-through meals-on-the-go, value combos for easy ordering, and family entertainment. The company has consistently delivered at this level of access throughout the world.
Other examples of the Valued Accessibility brand are Indiegogo, Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, Jiffy Lube and Second Cup (competitor to Starbucks in Canada).
CVS: How to Live by Design and Change the World
Diversity and flexibility are what first sets you apart. You have most likely tried many things, and you have a desire to try many more. You are designed to learn and do many things when it comes to projects, passions and other priorities. If there are two words that kick off your design, they are “relentlessly resourceful.”
Society is built upon the family unit. They are the building blocks for stability on all social and economic levels. The stronger families are the stronger society is. You are innately wired to celebrate and nurture family—if not your own, than families around you. This extends to community. Whether at work or play, you have the diversity and flexibility to bring communities together that create value for the rest of society.
One of the best things about being diverse and flexible is the ability to start new things from scratch. You can nurture new ideas into something tangible and of value. You are a startup team’s dream. Remember, relentlessly resourceful.
You are designed to think generationally. This is a long-term perspective that many do not have, but all of us need. From succession to legacy, you understand what is necessary to see things last beyond just you. If you are a parent, you think about the legacy and resources you want to provide your children and grandchildren. If you are a manager, you think about the next generation of ownership. You want to make sure every generation becomes better for a long-term impact.
Back to being relentlessly resourceful, this means you are a creative opportunist alert to possibilities others might not see. You capitalize on the opportunities. You can take the risk and seize the moment even when conditions might not be optimal or resources are scarce. This also means you creatively create win-win propositions for everybody including yourself.
Being independent is extremely powerful. You don’t believe in a welfare mentality. You know all the resources you need are first within you, then available with creativity and hard work. But don’t let this become arrogance and pride. Yes, you are competent, but that does not mean you are to be an island unto yourself. It doesn’t matter how much money, influence and security you might have. Just doing whatever you want to do is often the doorway to self-indulgence and even corruption.
Harnessing your independence into interdependence is where you can really make an impact. Not only are you unique, but you can facilitate collaboration between others that are equally unique. You can be a catalyst for partnership, alignment, and synergy. Win-win-wins all around.
Trust and gratitude are important battlegrounds for you. If you can win the battle of trust and gratitude in your own heart, you can help others win as well. Trust and gratitude in the big things and the little. Learn from the past. Let others bring you your character issues. This is how trust and gratitude are developed.
Your network is valuable. You are designed to build networks by introducing relationships and value propositions. You do this pragmatically and practically. And often, because you have no problem with ideological tension or conflict, you are able to make peace within your network for even more value. You are the hub of your network and provide connection points for a wide range of people and projects.
Therefore your reputation is important. You also are pretty hard to pressure and manipulate. You know when there are hidden agendas and ulterior motives. This is why financial opportunities just seem to come across your plate. From bargains, discounts, and financial opportunities this is no coincidence—it is your design.
Just remember, the world today struggles with gratification, entitlement, financial corruption and abuse. And although you are wired to generate a financial ROI, money is not security. Money is not the root of all evil—the love of money is. You are designed to make a difference in these areas, by generating compelling value and stewardship, which will change the world.