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Clarify Your Values

Imagine that Harry Potter is standing beside you with his magic wand. He offers to give you what ever you want in a career by waving his arm and saying "Abracadabra". What would you say? Can you put in words the desires of your heart? Can you sort our your preferences and requirements regarding the world of work? Are you aware of the impacts if you don’t get your needs met?

About seven in 10 Canadians say that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their job, while one in 9 report overall dissatisfaction. With respect to type of employment, 43 percent of self-employed Canadians say that they are very satisfied with their job. This is the case for only one in four Canadians who work for an employer. 70 percent or more of employed Canadians consider respect, interesting work, meaningful work and good communications with co-workers as key ingredients of a good job. Most Canadians tend to place greater importance on the intrinsic aspects of work (this research data is derived from http://www.jobquality.ca).

These "intrinsic aspects" refer to the values we have about our work. Values are the key determinants of how we unconsciously desire to use our time. Values govern ALL human behaviour. Values are the way we judge good and bad, right and wrong, appropriateness and inappropriateness. They form the key criteria we use to eVALUatE how we have used our time. They serve as after the fact evaluation criteria, or judgment about our actions.

Values play a key role in establishing and maintaining our sense of identity, our needs and how we meet them. In everyday life, we do not spend much time thinking about, or being aware of, our values. We usually take them for granted until they are violated. We are often surprised at the significance of their role in our career decision-making.

In my experience of coaching individuals about their career concerns, the majority of people I work with approach me when they are experiencing a violation of their values in their work. They are feeling extreme job dissatisfaction. As I ask questions and listen, I inevitably hear about something that has happened where something an employee valued was intruded upon. At this point the person wants to change roles or leave the organization. It is healthier and easier if you can clarify your values first and then chart your career course.

Although Harry Potter might be a fund person to work with, objectivity of values assessment is vital, and the initial examination of both personal and corporate values is best conducted with the help of a career development professional, whose professional code of ethics ensures objectivity. Thereafter, values analysis can become part of one's annual personal assessment and formal career reviews.

Chances are, at some point, you will be affected by organizational or environmental change. The best time to conduct a values analysis is now. Knowing what you want, and what you need in terms of environment and structure will help to make sure you won't be caught off guard. Moreover, it will make sure you cannot only take advantage of new opportunities, but create them!

Here are some excellent questions to start you thinking about your values:

  • Where do I want to live and work?
  • What kind of work appeals to me?
  • What kind of coworkers will be kindred spirits?
  • What kind of working conditions will be rewarding?
  • What level of responsibility do I feel comfortable handling?
  • What level of salary is important for me to attain?

Wishing you balance, passion and fulfillment in your lifework!

Rob

"For the secret of one’s being is not only to live but to have something to live for." - Dostoyevsky