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The Compass Within: A Little Story About the Values That Guide Us
The instant USA Today bestseller!
Discover your core values and find your place in life, love, and work.
We all want to be our most authentic selves in every space that we are in—in our relationships, our work, and our communities. But often we feel a disconnect, a tension between who we are and what the people around us expect from us.
How do we find authenticity and fulfillment in every area of our lives?
This is the question at the heart of The Compass Within. In this enlightening workplace parable, Jamie Hynes is a high achieving, early-career manager trying to reconcile his career ambitions with the ethically murky situations his new boss keeps putting him in. Jamie and his new fiancée are also busy making plans for their wedding, facing new decisions everyday about where they'll live and how they'll make a life together in a community where Jamie feels increasingly out of place.
When a member of Jamie's Emerging Sales & Marketing Leaders forum shares how her life was transformed when she got clear on her values, Jamie takes notice—and soon finds himself meeting with Jack Reardon, the forward-thinking CEO of Compass Media. Jack mentors Jamie in a holistic process to discover his "core values" and align his life to them, prompting him to start making changes and ultimately find the job, partner, and community that will allow him to be his truest, most authentic self.
The process that Jamie learns is a model for all of us to be more deeply connected to the values and principles we care about, gently guiding us in making the tough calls that are sometimes necessary in order to find happiness in every area of our lives. If you've been feeling stuck, The Compass Within is the comprehensive roadmap you need to greater clarity and courage in life, love, and work.
Discover your core values and find your place in life, love, and work.
We all want to be our most authentic selves in every space that we are in—in our relationships, our work, and our communities. But often we feel a disconnect, a tension between who we are and what the people around us expect from us.
How do we find authenticity and fulfillment in every area of our lives?
This is the question at the heart of The Compass Within. In this enlightening workplace parable, Jamie Hynes is a high achieving, early-career manager trying to reconcile his career ambitions with the ethically murky situations his new boss keeps putting him in. Jamie and his new fiancée are also busy making plans for their wedding, facing new decisions everyday about where they'll live and how they'll make a life together in a community where Jamie feels increasingly out of place.
When a member of Jamie's Emerging Sales & Marketing Leaders forum shares how her life was transformed when she got clear on her values, Jamie takes notice—and soon finds himself meeting with Jack Reardon, the forward-thinking CEO of Compass Media. Jack mentors Jamie in a holistic process to discover his "core values" and align his life to them, prompting him to start making changes and ultimately find the job, partner, and community that will allow him to be his truest, most authentic self.
The process that Jamie learns is a model for all of us to be more deeply connected to the values and principles we care about, gently guiding us in making the tough calls that are sometimes necessary in order to find happiness in every area of our lives. If you've been feeling stuck, The Compass Within is the comprehensive roadmap you need to greater clarity and courage in life, love, and work.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
80 people are currently reading
2595 people want to read
About the author
Robert Glazer
16 books65 followersRobert Glazer is a globally recognized thought leader on leadership, core values, and capacity building. He helps individuals and organizations clarify what matters most, align their actions with their values, and reach their full potential.
Bob is the founder and chairman of Acceleration Partners, a global marketing agency known for its award-winning culture and leadership. During his time as CEO, he was twice named a Top CEO on Glassdoor.
He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Compass Within: A Little Story About the Values That Guide Us, Elevate, and Elevate Your Team. His weekly newsletter, Friday Forward, is one of the top business publications on Substack and reaches hundreds of thousands of readers around the world. Bob also hosts The Elevate Podcast, ranked in the top one percent of all podcasts globally.
A sought-after global keynote speaker, Bob shares actionable frameworks for building capacity, discovering core values, and leading with authenticity in today’s complex world. In addition to his writing and speaking, he serves as an advisor, board member, and coach to high-growth companies and leaders who want to build stronger cultures and scale with purpose.
Learn more about Bob at https://www.robertglazer.com.
Bob is the founder and chairman of Acceleration Partners, a global marketing agency known for its award-winning culture and leadership. During his time as CEO, he was twice named a Top CEO on Glassdoor.
He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Compass Within: A Little Story About the Values That Guide Us, Elevate, and Elevate Your Team. His weekly newsletter, Friday Forward, is one of the top business publications on Substack and reaches hundreds of thousands of readers around the world. Bob also hosts The Elevate Podcast, ranked in the top one percent of all podcasts globally.
A sought-after global keynote speaker, Bob shares actionable frameworks for building capacity, discovering core values, and leading with authenticity in today’s complex world. In addition to his writing and speaking, he serves as an advisor, board member, and coach to high-growth companies and leaders who want to build stronger cultures and scale with purpose.
Learn more about Bob at https://www.robertglazer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 23, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was intrigued by the content as it aligns with current work in my life and I was pleased to find the content helpful and resonant. The format is a fictional narrative to illustrate the principles discussed and while I was not sure how this would come across, the author did a solid job of guiding the reader with an easy to digest approach. It is followed by a summary and a more detailed history to guide to start following the work yourself. It was also, I’m grateful to say, as long as it needed to be and not more so. I read it on a 2 hour plane ride. Much more tangible to read, process, and reference later than so many writers now trying to fluff a straightforward concept into a 400 page book.
This book and its concepts will be a thought provoking guide to anyone working on living a fulfilling life guided by their values.
This book and its concepts will be a thought provoking guide to anyone working on living a fulfilling life guided by their values.
September 29, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I will preface my review by saying that I am normally not the biggest fan of a parable of a business situation as a book format (think Lencioni's books) but found this one to be extremely engaging and simultaneously informative. For me this book resonated on many levels, as I had previously done a lot of my own development work - both personally and professionally - around core values (including helping to craft my current employer's core values); and found this book to really lay out a grounded, easy to follow process that would have helped me on my journey had I read it before starting my own path. Having now read it, I am eager to revisit my own (and our agency) core values utilizing Glazer's toolkit and hope that it does, in fact, verify what I feel strongly about - that there is alignment both personally and professionally. For anyone that has not done an exercise like this, The Compass Within does a really great job of making the case for not only the importance of this process but it also highlights that there may be significant impacts in doing this in the short term, but that will likely pay off dividends in the long run. I can personally attest to this, as I did experience changes in relationships (romantic and friend groups) after walking through a similar process, and while difficult at the time, I'm sincerely happier than I've ever been since making these changes. The book is an excellent guide as to how to best do this process yourself, and does lay out a step by step approach that should make this very important development work easy to do for anyone (the hard part comes with changing to live in your values once you identify them, as we see in this book). I strive to be my authentic self in all aspects of my life, and hope that many others take advantage of this book and learn to do the same, as the upside is very much well worth it. Glazer does a remarkable job of weaving an engaging story around the actual "how to" of this life changing work, and manages to do so in a concise and highly effective manner. I will be recommending this book to anyone that is interested in getting a better understanding of themselves, both personally and professionally, and will likely give copies to many of my colleagues, as I feel it is impossible to overstate the importance of self awareness, and Glazer has provided each of us a roadmap to help on our own journey toward it.
October 12, 2025
I received access to an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
The author has a clear framework for defining core values and ensuring they drive decisions and behavior. The book’s parable format works well for the author’s purpose. (I admit that my first response was “Oh no, not another leadership parable.”) In this case, the format allows the reader to experience the mental work involved with the various steps in the framework. It also illustrates the importance of surrounding yourself with people who have similar values and who are willing to give you feedback on your journey.
Jamie (main character in the parable) realizes something is “off” in his life. He first identifies the feeling of unease and discomfort at work. As the story continues, he identifies similar feelings in his personal life, too. The author uses the parable format to illustrate how Jamie identifies the issue and goes through the process of defining his core values and aligning his life with them.
Jamie confides in a professional colleague, who does not work at the same company, and expresses his frustrations. She connects him with the CEO at her company. The CEO has a passion for helping individuals identify their core values and then use them for decisions in all aspects of life. The CEO (Jack) spends a lot of time with Jamie, coaching him through the process. The clear outline of the process makes it immediately accessible to readers. Jack presents Jamie with five questions about situations, roles, and interactions in which he thrives and those in which he is uncomfortable. Next, Jamie selects core value themes that are apparent from the answers. When Jamie uses the answers and themes to identify his core values, Jack indicates core values should not be one word (too vague and open to interpretation), and each person should have no more than three or four.
After Jamie identifies four phrases that represent his core values, Jack provides a four-question filter that he calls the Core Validator. The goal of the Core Validator is to ensure the core values can be used to make decisions and that they permit an objective rating.
Jamie uses the lessons from the core values process to make a career change, talk to his wife about important life decisions, and find a new community for them to raise their family.
If you use the advice in the book, it helps you to answer, “What do you value most in life?” Use the answer to guide what the author calls “the big three” decisions in your life- Partner/spouse, vocation (career or place of work), and community (where you live and the people you interact with). You may not align fully with everyone and everything around you, but you at least need to be in harmony.
In addition to providing a framework for identifying core values, the book illustrates the importance of surrounding yourself with people and groups who share your values and inspire your growth and success. And- you can be that person for someone else.
The author provides information about adapting the process for an organization. He also includes tips for using values in leadership.
The author has a clear framework for defining core values and ensuring they drive decisions and behavior. The book’s parable format works well for the author’s purpose. (I admit that my first response was “Oh no, not another leadership parable.”) In this case, the format allows the reader to experience the mental work involved with the various steps in the framework. It also illustrates the importance of surrounding yourself with people who have similar values and who are willing to give you feedback on your journey.
Jamie (main character in the parable) realizes something is “off” in his life. He first identifies the feeling of unease and discomfort at work. As the story continues, he identifies similar feelings in his personal life, too. The author uses the parable format to illustrate how Jamie identifies the issue and goes through the process of defining his core values and aligning his life with them.
Jamie confides in a professional colleague, who does not work at the same company, and expresses his frustrations. She connects him with the CEO at her company. The CEO has a passion for helping individuals identify their core values and then use them for decisions in all aspects of life. The CEO (Jack) spends a lot of time with Jamie, coaching him through the process. The clear outline of the process makes it immediately accessible to readers. Jack presents Jamie with five questions about situations, roles, and interactions in which he thrives and those in which he is uncomfortable. Next, Jamie selects core value themes that are apparent from the answers. When Jamie uses the answers and themes to identify his core values, Jack indicates core values should not be one word (too vague and open to interpretation), and each person should have no more than three or four.
After Jamie identifies four phrases that represent his core values, Jack provides a four-question filter that he calls the Core Validator. The goal of the Core Validator is to ensure the core values can be used to make decisions and that they permit an objective rating.
Jamie uses the lessons from the core values process to make a career change, talk to his wife about important life decisions, and find a new community for them to raise their family.
If you use the advice in the book, it helps you to answer, “What do you value most in life?” Use the answer to guide what the author calls “the big three” decisions in your life- Partner/spouse, vocation (career or place of work), and community (where you live and the people you interact with). You may not align fully with everyone and everything around you, but you at least need to be in harmony.
In addition to providing a framework for identifying core values, the book illustrates the importance of surrounding yourself with people and groups who share your values and inspire your growth and success. And- you can be that person for someone else.
The author provides information about adapting the process for an organization. He also includes tips for using values in leadership.
October 15, 2025
The Compass Within
by Robert Glazer
What if your life already had a compass built into it—one that could guide every major decision with clarity and confidence? In The Compass Within , bestselling author Robert Glazer takes readers on a deeply personal and transformative allegorical journey to discover the power of living in alignment with their core values.
Through practical exercises, reflective questions, and timeless insights, Glazer reveals that a core value is not just something you believe—it’s something you are. While beliefs can be aspirational; core values are foundational. They’re the invisible threads that tie together your best work, your most meaningful relationships, and your deepest sense of purpose. One of the easiest ways to uncover them is by identifying times when you have felt totally alive and also in moments of painful self betrayal.
Drawing from stories of personal growth and professional leadership, Glazer guides readers to explore five key reflection questions designed to uncover their authentic selves. By examining when we’ve felt most engaged, most disconnected, and most responsible for others, we begin to see patterns—our life’s recurring themes.
Once uncovered, Glazer offers the Core Validator, a simple but powerful four-question test that ensures each value you name truly holds up as a guiding force. He encourages specificity over abstraction—showing why words like “integrity” often fail, and why precise, personal phrasing can transform a value into a practical decision-making tool.
Ultimately, The Compass Within shows that identifying and living by your values can help you navigate what Glazer calls the “Big Three Decisions”:
Your partner — who you choose to share your life with Your vocation — the work you dedicate your time and energy to Your community — where and with whom you choose to live
Living in alignment with your values isn’t always easy—it can mean choosing short-term discomfort over long-term regret—but Glazer argues that the reward is freedom, integrity, and a deeper sense of peace.
The Compass Within is a roadmap for anyone seeking to live—and lead—with authenticity, alignment, and purpose. Spot floating through life. Find your “why” and live in clear and constant alignment with personal integrity. You’ll be delighted by the power and peace it brings.
What if your life already had a compass built into it—one that could guide every major decision with clarity and confidence? In The Compass Within , bestselling author Robert Glazer takes readers on a deeply personal and transformative allegorical journey to discover the power of living in alignment with their core values.
Through practical exercises, reflective questions, and timeless insights, Glazer reveals that a core value is not just something you believe—it’s something you are. While beliefs can be aspirational; core values are foundational. They’re the invisible threads that tie together your best work, your most meaningful relationships, and your deepest sense of purpose. One of the easiest ways to uncover them is by identifying times when you have felt totally alive and also in moments of painful self betrayal.
“Your greatest gifts lie next to your deepest wounds.”
Drawing from stories of personal growth and professional leadership, Glazer guides readers to explore five key reflection questions designed to uncover their authentic selves. By examining when we’ve felt most engaged, most disconnected, and most responsible for others, we begin to see patterns—our life’s recurring themes.
Once uncovered, Glazer offers the Core Validator, a simple but powerful four-question test that ensures each value you name truly holds up as a guiding force. He encourages specificity over abstraction—showing why words like “integrity” often fail, and why precise, personal phrasing can transform a value into a practical decision-making tool.
Ultimately, The Compass Within shows that identifying and living by your values can help you navigate what Glazer calls the “Big Three Decisions”:
Your partner — who you choose to share your life with Your vocation — the work you dedicate your time and energy to Your community — where and with whom you choose to live
Living in alignment with your values isn’t always easy—it can mean choosing short-term discomfort over long-term regret—but Glazer argues that the reward is freedom, integrity, and a deeper sense of peace.
“We all start life without an instruction manual or a compass, but that doesn’t mean we have to keep navigating without one.”
The Compass Within is a roadmap for anyone seeking to live—and lead—with authenticity, alignment, and purpose. Spot floating through life. Find your “why” and live in clear and constant alignment with personal integrity. You’ll be delighted by the power and peace it brings.
October 14, 2025
The Compass Within offers a fresh take on the often-overused concept of values by moving beyond single words into lived phrases. That shift may seem small, but it brings real clarity. Instead of narrowing down a list of generic words, the book guides you to craft values that feel actionable, relatable, and true to who you are.
Some of the strongest moments in the book are the distinctions Glazer makes between beliefs and core values. He reminds us that values are not aspirational. Values are constants that define who you are at your core. I also appreciated the recognition that values shape not only career decisions but also our partnerships and communities. That holistic perspective makes the framework feel applicable to all areas of life, not just business.
That said, the fictional story used to carry these lessons sometimes felt like a stretch. While I didn’t mind the narrative device, the way the plot tied up - an ambitious young manager mentored by a busy CEO, who quickly provides him a new job that seamlessly resolves career and relationship challenges – felt unrealistic.
Overall, this book provides a helpful framework and practical tools for anyone interested in aligning life and work to their values. If you’re looking for exercises that move beyond “pick a few words off a list,” you’ll find something useful here. If you prefer stories that feel true to the messy, complicated process of change, the parable may leave you wanting more.
Some of the strongest moments in the book are the distinctions Glazer makes between beliefs and core values. He reminds us that values are not aspirational. Values are constants that define who you are at your core. I also appreciated the recognition that values shape not only career decisions but also our partnerships and communities. That holistic perspective makes the framework feel applicable to all areas of life, not just business.
That said, the fictional story used to carry these lessons sometimes felt like a stretch. While I didn’t mind the narrative device, the way the plot tied up - an ambitious young manager mentored by a busy CEO, who quickly provides him a new job that seamlessly resolves career and relationship challenges – felt unrealistic.
Overall, this book provides a helpful framework and practical tools for anyone interested in aligning life and work to their values. If you’re looking for exercises that move beyond “pick a few words off a list,” you’ll find something useful here. If you prefer stories that feel true to the messy, complicated process of change, the parable may leave you wanting more.
April 29, 2025
Wow. This book helped me contextualize and better understand my own journey of the last 8+ years since I also faced a pivot point in my work life and life.
The “parable” is exceptionally well constructed and relatable.
I suspect I will re-read this down the line.
The “parable” is exceptionally well constructed and relatable.
I suspect I will re-read this down the line.
October 29, 2025
A Highly Digestible Guide to Finding Direction in Life and Work
Robert Glazer's "The Compass Within" offers a brilliantly accessible framework for evaluating and improving key areas of your life. Written in a highly digestible parable format, the book uses a compelling, relatable story to introduce its core concepts, reminiscent of the simple wisdom found in classics like Who Moved My Cheese?
What sets The Compass Within apart is its commitment to application. Unlike many narrative business books, Glazer dedicates a crucial chapter to a practical review and summary of the entire process, making the concepts easy to implement immediately.
The advice is profoundly pertinent to both business and personal growth, providing actionable insights that apply across the board. Specifically, the book expertly guides the reader through identifying and strengthening three key areas of fulfillment: partner, vocation, and community.
I received this free copy through the Next Big Idea Club's First Look Club and highly recommend it for anyone seeking a clear, effective roadmap for achieving greater alignment and success in life. It's a quick read with lasting impact.
Robert Glazer's "The Compass Within" offers a brilliantly accessible framework for evaluating and improving key areas of your life. Written in a highly digestible parable format, the book uses a compelling, relatable story to introduce its core concepts, reminiscent of the simple wisdom found in classics like Who Moved My Cheese?
What sets The Compass Within apart is its commitment to application. Unlike many narrative business books, Glazer dedicates a crucial chapter to a practical review and summary of the entire process, making the concepts easy to implement immediately.
The advice is profoundly pertinent to both business and personal growth, providing actionable insights that apply across the board. Specifically, the book expertly guides the reader through identifying and strengthening three key areas of fulfillment: partner, vocation, and community.
I received this free copy through the Next Big Idea Club's First Look Club and highly recommend it for anyone seeking a clear, effective roadmap for achieving greater alignment and success in life. It's a quick read with lasting impact.
October 23, 2025
If you appreciated the lessons of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, you’ll love The Compass Within. Through a powerful story, Robert Glazer offers a fresh, personal take on leadership and alignment, reminding us that great teams and fulfilled lives both start with clear core values. This book helped me pause, reflect, and redefine success in a way that feels grounded and genuine. A quick but lasting read with real impact.
October 17, 2025
I received an advance copy of this book and was thoroughly impressed. It's a concise, compelling story that reads like a novel but serves as a powerful guide to identifying your core values.
Unlike other books on the topic, the narrative framework makes the concepts incredibly relatable and memorable. I found myself constantly reflecting on my own life and roles as a professional, parent, and community member.
The central idea that resonated with me is that our values aren't aspirations, but deeply rooted patterns waiting to be uncovered. As the book states, they "describe who you are and likely who you have always been."
If you feel caught between the different demands of life, this book is a must-read. It provides the tools and the perspective to find your anchor. I loved the blend of story and substance and already feel inspired to share it with others.
Unlike other books on the topic, the narrative framework makes the concepts incredibly relatable and memorable. I found myself constantly reflecting on my own life and roles as a professional, parent, and community member.
The central idea that resonated with me is that our values aren't aspirations, but deeply rooted patterns waiting to be uncovered. As the book states, they "describe who you are and likely who you have always been."
If you feel caught between the different demands of life, this book is a must-read. It provides the tools and the perspective to find your anchor. I loved the blend of story and substance and already feel inspired to share it with others.
October 18, 2025
Buy this book! Gift this book to a friend. It is insightful and easy to read. Touching on themes of core values and how living in alignment with your values will transform your life. Great gift for a college graduation, someone starting over or looking for clarity.
October 18, 2025
This book and Robert’s core values framework have been transformative for my life. The book is a quick read that provides lots of food for thought in a digestible, actionable way to help you be more intentional about the way you live your life and make decisions.
December 26, 2025
A great book about finding your values
October 15, 2025
Framed in a parable, this book is a nice way to explore the idea of living your life guided by your values. However, it falls short as a detailed instruction guide. The parable is a nice way to understand the concept. But what about those who are farther into their careers? What about the backlash and fallout, when going against the grain actually makes life a little rougher? I can see this as a nice graduation gift though.
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November 27, 2025Had to read for work… insightful 👍
September 1, 2025
Learning about building your core values
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October 16, 2025"The Compass Within: A Little Story About the Values That Guide Us" - Book by Robert Glazer explores one of the most timeless and universal human struggles: the tension between external expectations and our internal truth. Through a simple yet powerful story, Glazer invites readers to rediscover their inner compass - the quiet, intuitive sense of right and wrong that often gets lost in the noise of ambition, conformity, and everyday obligations. The book’s message is clear: fulfillment doesn’t come from external success, but from aligning our choices and behaviors with the values that truly define who we are.
At the heart of the narrative is Jamie Hynes, a high-performing manager at a top communications firm. By all outward appearances, Jamie’s career is thriving. He earns well, manages a team, and seems to have achieved what many people would call success. Yet beneath this polished surface lies a deep unease. That discomfort surfaces most clearly during a tense performance review with his boss, Matt Embers, when he’s criticized for allowing an employee named Jessica to remain on the team after she honestly disclosed plans to leave for business school. To Jamie, her transparency was something to be respected, but Matt viewed it as disloyalty that needed punishment. For Jamie, this moment is a breaking point - the moment he realizes that the company’s so-called 'core values' of integrity and teamwork are nothing more than slogans that clash with how people are actually treated. That hypocrisy forces him to confront a painful truth: he’s been living by someone else’s rules, not his own.
Shaken and seeking clarity, Jamie reconnects with a friend, Chloe, who introduces him to Jack Reardon, a leader at a company called Compass Media. Jack has developed a system for identifying and articulating one’s personal values - a method he calls 'the values process.' In their first meeting, Jack helps Jamie understand the difference between beliefs and core values. Beliefs, Jack explains, can be aspirational and changeable. Core values, however, are unshakable; they are constants that reveal who we truly are beneath circumstance or influence. These values are not things we 'wish' to believe - they’re the principles that have quietly governed our decisions for as long as we’ve been alive.
At Jack’s suggestion, Jamie begins a personal exercise: he takes several blank sheets of paper and answers a series of reflective questions. These prompts push him to think deeply about moments when he felt most engaged, times when he did his best work, the qualities people most often seek him out for, moments of disengagement, and the traits in others that frustrate him the most. As Jamie writes, recurring themes start to emerge. He realizes that trust is central to nearly every meaningful experience in his life. He thrives when he’s trusted by others and when he can offer that same trust in return. Conversely, he feels drained and resentful when others question his integrity or ask him to compromise it.
When Jamie reaches the final question - about a childhood moment when he failed to uphold responsibility - he experiences a flood of emotion. He recalls a painful memory from when he was thirteen: he briefly lost sight of his younger sister at a county fair after being told to watch her carefully. Though she was found unharmed, the memory of his father’s disappointed face haunted him for years. Through Jack’s guidance, Jamie connects this experience to his adult values. That single incident, Jack explains, forged Jamie’s lifelong devotion to trustworthiness and reliability. What began as a wound - a moment of failure and guilt - became the seed of his greatest strength. This revelation, Jack says, reflects a universal truth: 'Our greatest gifts often lie next to our deepest wounds.'
With this insight, Jamie begins refining his values more concretely. Jack introduces him to a method called the 'Core Validator,' which tests whether a proposed value is truly actionable and personal. The validator asks four questions: Can this value guide decisions? Does its opposite cause discomfort? Is it expressed as a phrase rather than a single word? And can you measure yourself against it objectively? When Jamie applies this process, he realizes that vague words like 'integrity' or 'excellence' are too generic to offer guidance. What resonates most is 'relationships built on trust.' Through several iterations, Jamie defines four core values: relationships built on trust, self-reliance, including all perspectives, and long-term orientation. With these principles clearly articulated, he creates a tangible reference - a small laminated card he keeps on his desk, a physical reminder of who he is and what he stands for.
As Jamie begins to live by these principles, his life starts to shift dramatically. The first test comes quickly. When his boss again pressures him to act against his better judgment, Jamie no longer hesitates. With calm conviction, he refuses to compromise his values and resigns on the spot. This act, though risky, feels liberating. It’s the first time he’s acted entirely in alignment with his internal compass. In his personal life, the clarity extends to his relationship with his fiancée, Beth. When he tells her about his decision to leave his job, she responds not with fear but with faith: 'I trust you, and you’re right. We’ll figure it out.' That affirmation confirms that his relationship, too, is grounded in shared values. Together, they take another step toward alignment - choosing to leave the fast-paced city of Westville and settle in Arlington, a place that better reflects their sense of community and balance.
Robert Glazer emphasizes that this process of alignment - the harmony between what we do and who we are - is the essence of a meaningful life. He identifies three domains where this alignment is most crucial: partner, vocation, and community. When our core values align with our relationships, our work, and our environment, we experience peace and fulfillment. When they don’t, even outward success feels hollow. Jamie’s journey illustrates both sides of this truth: the pain of misalignment and the power of realignment.
However, Glazer does not romanticize this process. He acknowledges that living according to one’s values can be uncomfortable, even costly. Walking away from a secure job or challenging authority requires courage and self-awareness. But he insists that the short-term pain of staying true to your compass is far smaller than the long-term damage of betraying it. Over time, the internal dissonance of compromise erodes not just happiness but integrity itself. The book argues that ignoring your compass may bring temporary comfort, but it will always exact a deeper price: regret.
Through Jamie’s story, Glazer transforms abstract moral ideas into a relatable, human narrative. Rather than preaching about ethics, he shows how values emerge from experience, pain, and reflection. The 'compass within' is not an external moral system but a deeply personal one - unique to each individual and discovered through self-examination. The book’s framework gives readers a tangible way to uncover their own compass, combining introspection with practical tools like the Core Validator. By doing so, Glazer bridges the gap between philosophy and action.
In the end, "The Compass Within" reminds us that the true measure of success is not achievement, wealth, or recognition, but integrity - the alignment between our actions and our values. Jamie’s story is less about changing the world and more about changing oneself, learning to navigate through uncertainty by trusting one’s inner direction. When we honor our own compass, we gain not only clarity but also freedom: the freedom to choose paths that are right for us, regardless of external approval.
Ultimately, Robert Glazer’s "The Compass Within" is both a story and a guide - a call to return to the quiet voice inside us that always knows when something feels wrong, even when we can’t explain why. It’s about learning to listen, to trust that inner signal, and to live a life that reflects it. The journey is not without pain or sacrifice, but it leads to something far greater: authenticity, peace, and purpose. Like Jamie, every reader has the chance to find that same compass within - and once we do, the direction forward becomes unmistakably clear.
At the heart of the narrative is Jamie Hynes, a high-performing manager at a top communications firm. By all outward appearances, Jamie’s career is thriving. He earns well, manages a team, and seems to have achieved what many people would call success. Yet beneath this polished surface lies a deep unease. That discomfort surfaces most clearly during a tense performance review with his boss, Matt Embers, when he’s criticized for allowing an employee named Jessica to remain on the team after she honestly disclosed plans to leave for business school. To Jamie, her transparency was something to be respected, but Matt viewed it as disloyalty that needed punishment. For Jamie, this moment is a breaking point - the moment he realizes that the company’s so-called 'core values' of integrity and teamwork are nothing more than slogans that clash with how people are actually treated. That hypocrisy forces him to confront a painful truth: he’s been living by someone else’s rules, not his own.
Shaken and seeking clarity, Jamie reconnects with a friend, Chloe, who introduces him to Jack Reardon, a leader at a company called Compass Media. Jack has developed a system for identifying and articulating one’s personal values - a method he calls 'the values process.' In their first meeting, Jack helps Jamie understand the difference between beliefs and core values. Beliefs, Jack explains, can be aspirational and changeable. Core values, however, are unshakable; they are constants that reveal who we truly are beneath circumstance or influence. These values are not things we 'wish' to believe - they’re the principles that have quietly governed our decisions for as long as we’ve been alive.
At Jack’s suggestion, Jamie begins a personal exercise: he takes several blank sheets of paper and answers a series of reflective questions. These prompts push him to think deeply about moments when he felt most engaged, times when he did his best work, the qualities people most often seek him out for, moments of disengagement, and the traits in others that frustrate him the most. As Jamie writes, recurring themes start to emerge. He realizes that trust is central to nearly every meaningful experience in his life. He thrives when he’s trusted by others and when he can offer that same trust in return. Conversely, he feels drained and resentful when others question his integrity or ask him to compromise it.
When Jamie reaches the final question - about a childhood moment when he failed to uphold responsibility - he experiences a flood of emotion. He recalls a painful memory from when he was thirteen: he briefly lost sight of his younger sister at a county fair after being told to watch her carefully. Though she was found unharmed, the memory of his father’s disappointed face haunted him for years. Through Jack’s guidance, Jamie connects this experience to his adult values. That single incident, Jack explains, forged Jamie’s lifelong devotion to trustworthiness and reliability. What began as a wound - a moment of failure and guilt - became the seed of his greatest strength. This revelation, Jack says, reflects a universal truth: 'Our greatest gifts often lie next to our deepest wounds.'
With this insight, Jamie begins refining his values more concretely. Jack introduces him to a method called the 'Core Validator,' which tests whether a proposed value is truly actionable and personal. The validator asks four questions: Can this value guide decisions? Does its opposite cause discomfort? Is it expressed as a phrase rather than a single word? And can you measure yourself against it objectively? When Jamie applies this process, he realizes that vague words like 'integrity' or 'excellence' are too generic to offer guidance. What resonates most is 'relationships built on trust.' Through several iterations, Jamie defines four core values: relationships built on trust, self-reliance, including all perspectives, and long-term orientation. With these principles clearly articulated, he creates a tangible reference - a small laminated card he keeps on his desk, a physical reminder of who he is and what he stands for.
As Jamie begins to live by these principles, his life starts to shift dramatically. The first test comes quickly. When his boss again pressures him to act against his better judgment, Jamie no longer hesitates. With calm conviction, he refuses to compromise his values and resigns on the spot. This act, though risky, feels liberating. It’s the first time he’s acted entirely in alignment with his internal compass. In his personal life, the clarity extends to his relationship with his fiancée, Beth. When he tells her about his decision to leave his job, she responds not with fear but with faith: 'I trust you, and you’re right. We’ll figure it out.' That affirmation confirms that his relationship, too, is grounded in shared values. Together, they take another step toward alignment - choosing to leave the fast-paced city of Westville and settle in Arlington, a place that better reflects their sense of community and balance.
Robert Glazer emphasizes that this process of alignment - the harmony between what we do and who we are - is the essence of a meaningful life. He identifies three domains where this alignment is most crucial: partner, vocation, and community. When our core values align with our relationships, our work, and our environment, we experience peace and fulfillment. When they don’t, even outward success feels hollow. Jamie’s journey illustrates both sides of this truth: the pain of misalignment and the power of realignment.
However, Glazer does not romanticize this process. He acknowledges that living according to one’s values can be uncomfortable, even costly. Walking away from a secure job or challenging authority requires courage and self-awareness. But he insists that the short-term pain of staying true to your compass is far smaller than the long-term damage of betraying it. Over time, the internal dissonance of compromise erodes not just happiness but integrity itself. The book argues that ignoring your compass may bring temporary comfort, but it will always exact a deeper price: regret.
Through Jamie’s story, Glazer transforms abstract moral ideas into a relatable, human narrative. Rather than preaching about ethics, he shows how values emerge from experience, pain, and reflection. The 'compass within' is not an external moral system but a deeply personal one - unique to each individual and discovered through self-examination. The book’s framework gives readers a tangible way to uncover their own compass, combining introspection with practical tools like the Core Validator. By doing so, Glazer bridges the gap between philosophy and action.
In the end, "The Compass Within" reminds us that the true measure of success is not achievement, wealth, or recognition, but integrity - the alignment between our actions and our values. Jamie’s story is less about changing the world and more about changing oneself, learning to navigate through uncertainty by trusting one’s inner direction. When we honor our own compass, we gain not only clarity but also freedom: the freedom to choose paths that are right for us, regardless of external approval.
Ultimately, Robert Glazer’s "The Compass Within" is both a story and a guide - a call to return to the quiet voice inside us that always knows when something feels wrong, even when we can’t explain why. It’s about learning to listen, to trust that inner signal, and to live a life that reflects it. The journey is not without pain or sacrifice, but it leads to something far greater: authenticity, peace, and purpose. Like Jamie, every reader has the chance to find that same compass within - and once we do, the direction forward becomes unmistakably clear.
October 9, 2025
A good parable that helps readers discover / uncover their most important values. This book goes beyond the simple list into the meaningful nuances of what values are, how to phrase them, and how to live by them. While the book is easy to read, the concepts may take a lifetime to truly absorb. The book comes with practical steps for readers to implement in their lives to help discern their values and figure out what's next. I did quibble with how the main character seems to implement values at work, though doesn't always seem to live them in his personal relationship, but they seem to make it work out. And it made me laugh that Arlington MA was their dream living location, as I've lived there myself and agree it was a great community!
October 7, 2025
I received an advance copy of this book and really enjoyed reading it. It is a shorter story that reads like a novel but weaves in the framework of identifying and living your core values.
Having read a number of books that discuss core values, some of the exercises felt stale but having the narrative wrapped around the exercises, helped contextualize them.
Some quotes / thoughts that stuck with me include:
“Determining our core values is not an exercise in deciding what we aspire to achieve. It’s a matter of uncovering patterns that have existed for years, even if we haven’t been able to see them clearly or connect the dots. In many cases, closely held values are forged through formative life experiences, often in childhood or adolescence. We naturally gravitate toward emulating the values we resonated with when we were young while striving at all costs to avoid and counteract those past experiences that created pain or went against our sense of self.”
“…I’ve found that most core values have deep roots. They’re very often connected to our formative experiences, either positive or negative. With issues and values of trust specifically, these usually stem either from a deeply rooted betrayal of trust or some other powerful incident involving trust during childhood…”
“More important than revisiting the past is understanding how it impacts the present.”
“If you don’t have a moral compass, you will swim in chaos.”
“Your core values are not aspirational traits, nor are they marketing slogans aimed at presenting you in the best possible light. When identified correctly, they describe who you are and likely who you have always been.”
The narrative that Robert used resonated with me both personally and professionally. I have to admit while reading the narrative, I found myself having flashbacks (both positive and negative) about similar situations I have encountered.
I especially recommend this book for mid-level professionals that are caught between the different roles of life — parenting, caring for parents, leader, community member, etc. Sitting with the questions and considering your values is extremely helpful when demands on each of the personas occur on a reoccurring basis.
I am looking forward to completing the exercises in the book and seeing how my values may be aligned when completing similar exercises or perhaps different. This is a perfect time of year to start this work as we approach holiday season, 2026, and beyond.
Having read a number of books that discuss core values, some of the exercises felt stale but having the narrative wrapped around the exercises, helped contextualize them.
Some quotes / thoughts that stuck with me include:
“Determining our core values is not an exercise in deciding what we aspire to achieve. It’s a matter of uncovering patterns that have existed for years, even if we haven’t been able to see them clearly or connect the dots. In many cases, closely held values are forged through formative life experiences, often in childhood or adolescence. We naturally gravitate toward emulating the values we resonated with when we were young while striving at all costs to avoid and counteract those past experiences that created pain or went against our sense of self.”
“…I’ve found that most core values have deep roots. They’re very often connected to our formative experiences, either positive or negative. With issues and values of trust specifically, these usually stem either from a deeply rooted betrayal of trust or some other powerful incident involving trust during childhood…”
“More important than revisiting the past is understanding how it impacts the present.”
“If you don’t have a moral compass, you will swim in chaos.”
“Your core values are not aspirational traits, nor are they marketing slogans aimed at presenting you in the best possible light. When identified correctly, they describe who you are and likely who you have always been.”
The narrative that Robert used resonated with me both personally and professionally. I have to admit while reading the narrative, I found myself having flashbacks (both positive and negative) about similar situations I have encountered.
I especially recommend this book for mid-level professionals that are caught between the different roles of life — parenting, caring for parents, leader, community member, etc. Sitting with the questions and considering your values is extremely helpful when demands on each of the personas occur on a reoccurring basis.
I am looking forward to completing the exercises in the book and seeing how my values may be aligned when completing similar exercises or perhaps different. This is a perfect time of year to start this work as we approach holiday season, 2026, and beyond.
October 15, 2025
Thank you to Next Big Idea Club and Net Galley for an advance copy of The Compass Within: A Little Story About The Values That Guide Us By Robert Glazer in exchange for a review.
If you feel stuck as a leader within your company and/or personal life but don’t know why? Then you are not aligned with or haven’t found your core values yet.
This book tells the fictional story about a man named Jamie who feels successful in his career but also has feelings of uncertainty in his leadership role, his relationship with his fiancée Beth, and where they are living. He is then mentored by a man named Jack on how to find his core values.
This book then turns to the real life questions and course made by the author to help those who are in Jack’s shoes. It is a step by step guide on the questions you should ask yourself to find what you value most in life. Especially in the Big 3 as the author coins it:
Partner
Vocation
Community
I gave this book 5 stars because it does go into detail on the questions one should ask oneself about what you really value in life. It puts motivation in you to figure out what your core values are and how to apply them into your life. It makes you question whether you are on the right path in life. I also like that there is information at the end of the book about a course you could take if you need extra help.
If you feel stuck as a leader within your company and/or personal life but don’t know why? Then you are not aligned with or haven’t found your core values yet.
This book tells the fictional story about a man named Jamie who feels successful in his career but also has feelings of uncertainty in his leadership role, his relationship with his fiancée Beth, and where they are living. He is then mentored by a man named Jack on how to find his core values.
This book then turns to the real life questions and course made by the author to help those who are in Jack’s shoes. It is a step by step guide on the questions you should ask yourself to find what you value most in life. Especially in the Big 3 as the author coins it:
Partner
Vocation
Community
I gave this book 5 stars because it does go into detail on the questions one should ask oneself about what you really value in life. It puts motivation in you to figure out what your core values are and how to apply them into your life. It makes you question whether you are on the right path in life. I also like that there is information at the end of the book about a course you could take if you need extra help.
November 4, 2025
I received an advance copy of The Compass Within through the Next Big Idea Club’s First Look Club in exchange for an honest review. This beautifully written and deeply reflective story invites readers to reconnect with what truly matters. Through relatable characters and practical wisdom, Robert Glazer shows how discovering your core values can bring clarity and confidence to every part of life. I really enjoyed the parable format—the story made the lessons feel authentic and engaging. I found it especially thought-provoking and read it at a moment when I was questioning my own path, so the message truly resonated. It’s inspiring, insightful, and a powerful reminder to live with authenticity and purpose.
September 27, 2025
As an authentic servant leader, I found The Compass Within both engaging and deeply relatable. The book weaves the principles of Authentic and Servant Leadership into a compelling story, making complex concepts accessible and practical. Having taught both leadership styles, I appreciated how the narrative highlights the real struggle leaders face when their morals and core values are not fully aligned.
The relationship between Jamie and Jack beautifully illustrates what a true mentor-mentee connection should look like—rooted in trust, guidance, and growth. This book is an excellent resource for anyone aspiring to lead with authenticity, integrity, and purpose.
The relationship between Jamie and Jack beautifully illustrates what a true mentor-mentee connection should look like—rooted in trust, guidance, and growth. This book is an excellent resource for anyone aspiring to lead with authenticity, integrity, and purpose.
October 14, 2025
The Compass Within is an inspiring and heartfelt read that gently guides you to rediscover what truly matters. Through a relatable story, Robert Glazer shows how understanding and living by your core values can transform every part of your life—from work and relationships to the choices that define who you are. It’s both practical and deeply reflective, offering clarity and encouragement for anyone seeking more purpose and authenticity. A book that stays with you long after you finish, helping you find direction from within.
December 10, 2025
This short business book uses a fictional parable to illustrate his key concepts. Glazer's basic premise is that if your core values don't align in three areas of your life all is not well. The keys are who your significant other is, where you work, and where you live. By following Jamie through his discovery process over several years, the author details the steps to define your core values. The final chapters are a curriculum approach to the core value process and where to seek further help. It's hard emotional work that many will shy away from as being "too hard".
September 27, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this wonderful book. I have read many leadership books over the years. Some better than others. This is near the top of the list. Loved the parable to get the message across. Instead of a list of things to do, the story telling is much more impactful.
Company values on the wall mean nothing if they are not intertwined with how you act in every day business.
The book lays out clear, actionable plans on how to discover your personal values.
Company values on the wall mean nothing if they are not intertwined with how you act in every day business.
The book lays out clear, actionable plans on how to discover your personal values.
October 6, 2025
I had the opportunity to read an early copy of this and really enjoyed it. A concise, compelling story that I found myself relating to in a lot of ways. I love of book that makes me think and reflect, and this definitely did that. If you are trying to decide what principles you want to orient your life around, this is a must read. But even if you have that clarity, you'll find the story rewarding and probably feel inspired to share it with someone else.
October 20, 2025
A short parable of a young professional at a career crossroads who discovers his core values through a mentor guiding him through the process. By aligning his work and community with his values, he becomes more energized and impactful.
I've never been a big believer in core values but this story made me consider that I might be short sighted on that. I plan to do the values exercise outlined in the book to see what I discover.
I've never been a big believer in core values but this story made me consider that I might be short sighted on that. I plan to do the values exercise outlined in the book to see what I discover.
October 18, 2025
Short read. Seems like the fable spent too much time on the back story and not enough on the part of the story that details the premise. Still a quick read. There isn’t much detail on the lesson either. Seems like they could have shared more without having to pay for their services. Hope the exercises prove valuable!
September 8, 2025
I really loved this book! A great read for almost any stage of life. It was a great reminder to develop and establish my core values, as I graduate from college soon. While he traditionally writes non-fiction books, I found Robert's parable format to be highly engaging.
November 20, 2025
I don’t love business books with stories. I’m more of give me the bottom line and tell me the steps kind of girl, when it comes to performance improvement. That said, it’s a quick read and practical advice for establishing values.
October 14, 2025
Very well written and a great book with advice for all ages!
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