The Beginner's Guide to Workplace Values
Hey there, is this you?
- Oh my God! I hate my job! I need a new one.”
- Friend: “How’s work?” You: “Eh, it’s O K.”
- “I’m quitting this sht as SOON as [insert reason here].
If it IS you, we need to have a chat, my friend.
You need some Workplace Values therapy, and, I’m about to enlighten you so that you can get off of the excuses bus. The concept of knowing your values doesn’t get enough attention, but, it’s a pivotal career-clarifying breakthrough if you ask me.
When I was laid off in 2017 due to downsizing, I was MORE THAN ok with it. I loved what I did, but, I had come to learn that what was most important to me in my career had changed. I knew that at the time of my transition, I was in need of something more impactful, acknowledged and value-adding at a community level. I stumbled across workplace values and took a free online test to better understand what mine were. I have 10 written down, but here are my top five.
Help Society 2. Help Others 3. Affiliation/ Friendships 4. Make Decisions 5. Creativity
Those didn’t quite match what I was doing although I still got joy from what I did. It was pretty cool to see my sentiments in words.
End the mediocrity.
Stop your complaining.
We are going to map out your values. Grab a pen.
Step One: Identify Your Values
Here is another helpful one (I'm a test fanatic)
Step Two: Write them down in order of importance
What to do with your workplace values
Step Three: Start thinking and planning.
Now that you’ve pinpointed what’s important to you as an employee, you have a direction to focus your efforts in. If you are job hunting or switching careers, this is where you get focused on getting the fulfillment you want.
Ex. One of my values is community-focused (#7 on my list), so it’s probably not wise to apply to jobs at companies with a wide real estate net. That is the opposite of community/ local.
- If you value flexibility you shouldn’t get a shift job.
- A position that only pays minimum wage or a low starting salary is not the move for you if money was on your values list.
Don’t be the settler in the conversation saying “I just needed a job.” That’s just continuing the cycle and promoting job hopping.
If you value calmness, like me, competitive jobs (think sales and call centers) obviously aren’t a good fit.
What do you LIKE to do?
Now that you have your values, ask yourself:
1. Does my current company match my values? Are my personal values consistent with my organization’s values?
YES NO SOMEWHAT
2. If yes or somewhat, how can I get more out of my company to align with my values?
3. Is this something I can discuss with my boss to get started on?
If the answers are no, and you have reached an impasse, it’s time you create a plan and choose a more aligned work environment.
When you work in a field that complements your values, you get WAY more satisfaction and sense of purpose.
Bringing it all together
Now you can reflect. I want you to let me know:
Were any of your values a surprise to you?
Not that you’ve seen your values, can you look back on some situations at your job with more clarity? Is Johnny Nash’s I can see clearly now playing in your head now?
What is your current job/.career? What should be your new ideal job/career according to your values?
Are you ready to plan your job and ultimately LIFE-changing strategy?
NEW JOB HERE WE COME!
Remember, you always have options. And, it all starts with a P L A N!
Perspective is how we see things; like,
every T – H – I – N – G.
My life and the way I’ve achieved gratitude, happiness and contentment changed when I finally grasped the power of perspective. I was over 30 when I had my breakthrough, but better late than never.