What’s the value?

Values are an integral part of our identity, guiding our attitudes and behaviours in all aspects of our lives. In today’s society, values have become a central theme in the workplace, with many organisations adopting values-driven approaches to guide their operations and decision-making.

However, the problem with many of these values-driven organisations is that their values are often narrowly focused on what drives the business, rather than aligning with the values of the individual employees. This can lead to a disconnect between the values of the organisation and the values of its employees, causing friction and discontent.

To truly understand our values and align them with our work, we must first learn to identify them. This involves taking the time to reflect on our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours and examining the principles that guide them. There are plenty of tools available. At the moment we are liking the VIA Character Strengths https://www.viacharacter.org/ it’s simple to complete and creates a list of your 24 character strengths.

By identifying our values, we can gain insight into what is truly important to us and what drives our decisions and actions. We can then use this understanding to guide our job search and seek out organisations that align with our values and offer a values-driven work environment.

When evaluating potential employers, it is important to look beyond the values listed on their website or recruitment materials and examine how they are interpreted and lived out in the organisation’s behaviour. This can involve researching the organisation’s mission and vision, reviewing employee feedback and reviews, and even asking questions during the interview process about the organisation’s values and how they are put into practice.

In addition to seeking out organisations that align with our values, we can also use our values to guide our behaviour and decision-making within the workplace. By staying true to our values, we can build trust with our colleagues and managers, maintain our integrity, and make decisions that align with our beliefs and goals.

“A mission statement is not something you write overnight… But fundamentally, your mission statement becomes your constitution, the solid expression of your vision and values. It becomes the criterion by which you measure everything else in your life”.

Stephen Covey

To sum it up, values play a crucial role in shaping our identity and influencing our choices in various areas of our lives, including our careers. By taking the time to reflect on what we truly value, we can better understand ourselves and make informed decisions about our work. When we seek out organisations that share our values, we can find a sense of purpose and fulfilment in our careers. Ultimately, staying true to our values allows us to live a more authentic and meaningful life