Values, beliefs, and attitudes are the cornerstones of who we are and how we act; they write the scripts in our inner theatre—which in turn influence our behaviour and actions. They make up a system of thinking that guides our life, forming the basis of how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we interpret the world in general. They underlie our interpersonal relationships and lifestyle choices, drive our behaviour, and give meaning to our actions.

The Inner Theatre Inventory was designed to help executives and others reflect on what motivates them and on the major life anchors in their inner theatre—their values, beliefs, and attitudes. Reflecting on the results of the Inventory helps executives focus on the choices they have made in their lives and the reasons for those choices so that they can identify ways in which they can make their lives more meaningful and engaging. This exercise provides them with answers to some big questions: What is important to them? What helps them maintain their momentum? What do others notice when they are at their best? Why do they engage in self-destructive actions?

Values, beliefs, and attitudes are the cornerstones of who we are and how we act; they write the scripts in our inner theatre—which in turn influence our behaviour and actions. They make up a system of thinking that guides our life, forming the basis of how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we interpret the world in general. They underlie our interpersonal relationships and lifestyle choices, drive our behaviour, and give meaning to our actions.

The 22 life anchors listed in the Inner Theatre Inventory questionnaire represent the most recognisable drivers of our lives. They were based on observations of and encounters with senior leaders and executive in different companies throughout the world.

Process

The process begins with the selection of the executive/clients who will take the questionnaire(s). In most instances, the program coordinator provides access to the website where participants and their observers complete the questionnaire. When all the questionnaires have been completed, the coordinator prints out a feedback report for each of the participants. The executive/client then works with a facilitator, coach or counsellor to develop an action plan for change.

Online Administration

1. Approximately four weeks in advance, the programme administrator or coordinator sends participants a welcome letter that explains the purpose of the Inner Theatre Inventory. The letter, which should mention the survey deadline, informs them that they will receive an automatically generated email in the next day or two, with a link to the website on which they will find the questionnaire(s).
2. Each participant asks at least three observers, and no more than seven —including a spouse or significant other, friends and family members, colleagues who knows him or her well and a superior—to provide feedback by completing an “Observer” questionnaire.
3. On the survey website, participants register their observers and complete their “Self” questionnaire. Once they are registered, observers automatically receive an e-mail with a personal web-link. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their observers complete the questionnaires by the deadline.
4. After a participant’s self and observers’ questionnaires have all been completed, the system scores the responses. Ordinarily, the coordinator prints out two reports for each participant: one for the facilitator or executive coach, and another for the participant.