Value your Values

7 March 2024

Decision making is the heartbeat of a flourishing career.  Being clear, confident, purposeful, and timely in making career decisions is a central career skill (up there with knowing how to use Office).  In fact, it's often the lack of timely decisions that stalls a career and leaves people trapped in a state of limbo.  

Beyond the many tools and techniques I've shared previously on this blog lies the fact that our values are the compass that guides our every move and our every decision.

So, let's embark on a voyage through the landscape of values over the next few posts.  We'll delve into what makes values truly core, how misalightmt can throw us off course, and the art of syncing personal values with those of our organisations.  Moreover, we'll explore practical strategies for embodying our values in everyday life.  

But before we delve deeper, we must first illuminate the path by clarifying our own values.  Here's a roadmap to get you started.

Cast the Net Wide
Look at the list of values below.  Over a couple of sessions identify twenty that are important to you.  Add your own as they come to mind.  Jot down twenty values that speak to you.  Set them aside for a couple of days and let them marinate in your subconscious.
 
Distill the Essence
After a break, return to your list with fresh eyes.  Now, it's time to distill the essence.  Group similar values together and give each cluster a name.  Then, with a discerning eye, prime away the less essential, leaving behind a bouquet of six core values.  

This is where the magic happens.  As you sift through your short list, pay attention to moments when these values have guided you.  Reflect on instances where your values have whispered direction, or even shouted at you to watch out!  
In the next blog we'll dive deeper into a litmus test for your chosen values.  We'll ensure that they aren't just fleeting preference but enduring pillars to guide you.  

Your values are not just words on paper.  They truly are a lighthouse guiding your journey through the journey that is your career (and, let's face it, your life).  And the research backs this up.  Here is just a taste of some findings:

• When individuals align their work with their personal values they experience higher levels of motivation and job satisfaction.
• Individuals aware of their values make career choices that lead to long-term satisfaction and fulfilment.
• Individuals whose work aligns with their values have higher levels of engagement and are assessed as having higher levels of performance.
• Values knowledge protects individuals from burnout and leaves them better equipped to navigate setbacks and persevere in the pursuit of goals.
• A senses of shared values leads to improved collaboration and communication among team members, and contributes to a sense of belonging.

As always, wishing you a flourishing career.

Katherine
 
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