How can you use values to make better career decisions?

Values are the compass that guides our decisions and actions in life. They're like a personal code of ethics, unique to each individual. It's essential to recognize that our values can evolve over time as we grow and experience new things. This evolution is natural and can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves. Being aware of our values is key to making choices that align with our true selves, whether in our careers or personal lives.

Values are our inner-workings and beliefs of what is "right" or "wrong" and what aligns with our being. They become the standard within ourselves by which we make decisions, judge situations, and even judge others and the organizations with whom we align ourselves. Living/working congruently within our value system leads to fulfillment that is not possible when we make decisions outside of our values.

Values are the outputs of your intrinsic belief system In order for them to guide your decisions you need to identify what your values are. What drives you? What gets you up in the morning? What don't you like doing? What makes you mad, sad or glad These are your values and your moral compass for decision making

2 types of values that are critical for making good choices: 1. NERVOUS SYSTEM VALUES When one of these (fairness, kindness, acceptance, etc.) are violated you have an immediate, visceral, physical response. The blood drains out of your neocortex taking your higher-level thinking offline. You're stuck in a fight/flight/freeze/fawn response leaving you fried and unable to do your job. 2. ASPIRATIONAL VALUES These are the things that matter most to you such as purpose, admiration, freedom, etc. These are primary drivers. The more you get to move towards them the more energized you'll be. When making decisions, look at your lists. Choose things that won't violate your Nervous System Values and move you towards your Aspirational Values.

The most important value is to value others' values. 1. Mutual Respect: The key value is to respect others' values fostering a comfortable environment where shared philosophies thrive. 2. Materialism vs Values: Post industrial revolution, society shifted focus to materialistic gains over culture, values, ethics, and morals. 3. End-of-Life Realizations: Many realize late in life that material possessions are transient, and they regret not prioritizing meaningful experiences. 4. Legacy of Feelings: People remember the feelings and experiences you shared, not your earnings; emotional impact outweighs success. 5. Money's Limitations: While money is essential to a point, beyond that, it can increase stress rather than contribute to happiness.

The values card sort exercise is a practical and introspective approach to identify what truly matters to you. It's like giving structure to your thoughts and feelings about what you hold dear in life. The process forces you to reflect on what resonates with you the most, making it easier to make choices and set goals that align with your values. This exercise can be particularly helpful during times of decision-making, helping you stay true to your core principles.

The path to discovering your values requires introspection and self-journey, thus the path is not always the same for all. Some may choose the value card method, some may just "know" off of the top of their heads, others can utilize other methods. I find that sometimes people realize their values in reflecting on situations that made them feel certain ways in their past. For example, if you have been hurt by someone who was not truthful with you, you discover pretty quickly that Honesty is a value that is important to you.

Existe uma distinção crucial entre o que é considerado importante e o que representa um valor verdadeiro, e esses dois nem sempre estão alinhados. Valores verdadeiros são aqueles princípios inegociáveis que você mantém em qualquer situação, sem exceção. Por exemplo, a honestidade é frequentemente citada como um valor; no entanto, apenas aqueles que a têm como um valor verdadeiro serão honestos independentemente das circunstâncias. Quando a pessoa age contra o que ela acredita ser um valor dela, muitas vezes é o que chamo de aspiracional e nao verdadeiro.

Our values are dynamic and helps us to align with who we are at the core. When it comes to our careers, they act as a strategic decision-making tool. In my experience, evaluating my career trajectory through the lens of my core values and beliefs, has helped/helps me identify which opportunities best align with my priorities and long-term goals. This clarity helps me make informed choices that not only fosters growth but also contribute to my overall well-being and sense of fulfillment.

Evaluating your career options through the lens of your values is a powerful way to ensure alignment with your core principles. It's not just about professional success, but also about personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose. When your career choices resonate with your values, it often leads to greater job satisfaction, motivation, and a sense of authenticity in your work. On the other hand, if there's a significant misalignment, it can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and disconnection from your career. This values-based approach can be a compass for navigating career decisions.

When exploring career options, measure each of your own values against each of your career options. To measure a company's commitment to its stated values, look for concrete evidence of their implementation. Seek out employee testimonials, company culture reviews, and examples of how they've translated these values into everyday practices. Are these values more than just words in a mission statement? Do they manifest in company policies, decision-making, and interactions?

It is powerful to work for a company whose values align with your own values. It is one of the ingredients for success and happiness in your career. Likewise, working for a company whose values are not in alignment with your own is not a recipe for success or happiness. I believe there is a big challenge in discovering how authentic a company is to their own values, especially if you are an "outsider" trying to gain insights into a company's culture and values. Sure they will tell you their values, but values are so much more than words or posters on a wall. You really need to carry your research further in a career search and reach out to people who do currently and have in the past worked for a company to make informed decisions.

I agree to all ideas it’s sometimes hard after being in the Automotive Industry for over 38 years trying to find a position that you feel comfortable in and our values align with the program.

Once you've dialled into your core values, it's time to sync them with your daily actions. Amid the demands of work, life, and responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters and we can often find ourselves on autopilot. Living your values? That's about making choices and taking actions that reflect our values. Check if your daily grind aligns with what you hold dear, or are there areas that require adjustment? For example, if you value growth, are you diving into the discomfort for new opportunities in your career? Value collaboration? Ask yourself if you're fostering teamwork by actively listening to your colleagues' perspectives and valuing diverse contributions? Let's fine tune our routines to match our values.

Also consider this—employers cater to their own set of values, which could be drastically different than yours. Often, your values will not exactly map to the employer's values. This is normal. Therefore, do not expect employers to bend to your wishes. Rather, it is the employee's responsibility to align with their own values, both personally and professionally. This means that as an employee, you take your values with you to the workplace. It also means that others are not obligated to conform to your values, whether colleagues or employers. So be aware if you find yourself expecting others to live your values—that can create self-inflicted discontent!