Knowing what matters to you at work–in your relationships, environment, and overall career purpose–is important and is an ongoing process.
Identifying your core work values is an essential first step in reaching that goal. Below are four self-assessments to get you started.
What are work values
Your work values are an essential part of you–nobody can impose these on you and they’re a fundamental part of your identity. Knowing your work values will gives you guidance and insight into what you need to feel good and right at work and in your career. They’re often referred to as a compass or a personal truth.
(I’ve written elsewhere about how to clarify your life values; I see your life and work values as friends–the words might be a bit different and they help show the whole of you).
What are the benefits of being in integrity with your work values
Being in integrity with your work values is necessary for your satisfaction and fulfillment at work. Though it may sound lofty, being aligned with our values helps us lead a meaningful life.
When you know and enact your values at work, this contributes to:
- a more harmonious work environment
- heightened job satisfaction
- increased productivity
- enhanced rapport with colleagues
Four assessments to know your work values
Here are four resources to help you identify and explore your own work and career-related values:
Identify your work values: Lists a number of values which you rate these as very important, important, or not important. (Alberta Alis)
Reflect on your work values: Presents 33 statements which you rate on a 3-point scale of important to not important. (Government of Canada Job Bank)
Work values matcher: Rank order twenty statements pertaining to work and career. (Career One Stop)
Values checklist: Identify what matters in the categories of work environment, work content, work relationships and work values. (Berkeley Career Centre)
How do I use my work values once I know them?
Here are are some suggestions:
- Write them down and put them where you can regularly see them.
- Define them in your words. Remember, they belong to you.
- Discuss them with peers at work and/or friends and family. You can start with questions like “What’s important to you at work and why?” “Who inspires you in your career?”
- Identify where you see your values in action at work and in your career. Celebrate this.
- Notice where your values are out of alignment or not being met at all. What’s the impact?
- Take small, incremental steps to create more alignment. What can you do that’s within your grasp?
Need some help with next steps?
If you need some help determining and taking action on next steps, I can help. We’ll explore how your values can help guide you in your career-related goals. Book a free call here.
Image credit: Katerina Holmes, Pexel