Aligning Values and Work: A Practical Guide to Identifying Your Core Values in the Workplace

Living a meaningful and purposeful life is a universal human aspiration - even at work! 

One powerful way to achieve this is by identifying and aligning with your core values. We all have a good idea of what we value in life and what is important to us so when we take a moment to reflect many things come to mind for example ‘Health’, ‘Family’, ‘Respect’ etc. However, your core values are the core principles that you live by, that permeate all aspects of your life (including your work life!) becoming your code of conduct. 

According to the experts:

We each have between 3 and 6 core values - your inner compass - those beliefs are at the root of what you stand for (and against) and are a vital part of what makes you, You! They serve as guiding principles, shaping and directing our decisions, actions, behaviours and when you live your lives aligned with your core values, the research tells us your life feels fulfilled and meaningful. We enjoy greater happiness, wellbeing, psychological resilience and long-term life satisfaction including increased satisfaction at work. Conversely, when we are not in alignment with our core values, we feel it deep inside -that edgy anxious unfulfilled feeling that we are lacking direction and have lost connection to our “Why” in life. 

To discover your core values: 

It is important to reflect on key questions such as what is deeply important about the type of life I am living or want to live, the people in my life and the work that I am doing or want to do. While conducting this work with a coach is ideal, you can engage in this process yourself by giving yourself the time to quietly reflect on those questions posed above. Take some time to reflect upon the points outlined below to gain more insight into core values specific to our work 

Reflect on Your Passions: 

Take a moment to ponder on what truly energizes and motivates you in your work. Consider the tasks and projects that bring you the most joy and a sense of accomplishment. 

Ask yourself: What principles do I value and uphold in my professional life? What kind of impact do I want to make? Exploring these questions can unveil the core values that drive your career aspirations. 

Analyse Past Experiences: 

Look back at your previous work experiences and identify moments when you felt most fulfilled and engaged. Pay attention to the tasks, projects, or interactions that resonated deeply with you. These instances often hold clues to your core values. For instance, if you thrived in collaborative team environments, teamwork and cooperation may be important values for you. 

Consider Personal Beliefs: 

Your core values extend beyond the workplace and reflect your broader principles. Reflect on your personal beliefs and how they align with your work. 

Ask yourself: What do I stand for in life, and how can I integrate those beliefs into my professional sphere? For example, if you are passionate about environmental sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices into your work may be a core value. 

Seek Trusted Feedback: 

Engage in open conversations with trusted colleagues, mentors, or supervisors. Ask what three things would they say about you that defines you as a person – how you work or how you relate rather than just focusing on what your output is! Their insights and observations can offer valuable feedback on your strengths and values in action. These constructive perspectives can also guide you in aligning your core values with your professional goals and help you gain a clearer understanding of how others perceive your values. 

Once you have identified your core values, prioritise them based on their significance in your work life. Focus on the ones that resonate most strongly with you and narrow down your list to three to six values that truly define who you are professionally. 

Now, it's time to align your life with your core values. Evaluate your current work environment and assess how well it aligns with your identified values. Look for opportunities to intentionally integrate your core values into your daily tasks, decision-making processes, and interactions with colleagues. By embodying your core values at work, you can foster authenticity, a sense of purpose and a more fulfilling meaningful life. 

Book a discovery call to find out how I can help you identify, align with and integrate your core values into your personal and professional life.