How Are You Showing Up In The Work You Are Creating?
Happy Fall everyone!
This month we are going to explore the topic of uncovering your values in your work, and how to communicate your values as you navigate your career path. Values are an important aspect not only in the work we do in the world, but also important to being happy with the career we choose. It is crucial to be clear on your values before starting the career navigation process; this is the internal work that helps support you in communicating and creating a position with a company that supports you. Your values define who you are and what will make you happy in the role, company culture and leadership of the organization you choose.
Articulating your values helps you infuse your soul into your work and the type of experience you desire to create for your career. Knowing your values supports you in defining work that is meaningful to you and gives you the opportunity to bring the REAL you forward.
Many times I hear clients say they want work/life balance, they desire compensation commensurate to the work and their experience, and they yearn stability. These are important elements, but they are not necessarily values, they are criteria. What are your core values that make you happy?
My top five values are a sense of purpose, gratitude, appreciation of beauty and excellence, hope & optimism and perspective wisdom. How do these show up in my work as a coach? I feel a sense of purpose in supporting others in aligning to their true selves and living into their potential; I experience gratitude everyday in my work with clients and witnessing their growth and expansion into trusting themselves more; I work in a beautiful environment with nature nearby and with an amazing team of coaches, and I am in a career where I can share my wisdom and what I have learned. These are the values that are important to me. These are my strengths that support me in living more fully into how I am to serve while I am here.
Martin Seligman, in his book Authentic Happiness, states that he has found in his research that if a person uses their Signature Strengths in their work, they will find it more meaningful and will, therefore, be happier. You can take his free online assessment to assess your own values and strengths.
The clients I have worked with that are clear on their values have a much easier time communicating those values when they are making career changes, considering specific positions and interviewing.
Getting clear on your values that make you happy and play to your strengths is the work needed internally to be able to articulate it externally when you are interviewing, preparing for a promotion or considering a career change. It anchors inside you the qualities of the work you will thrive in.
Take time to do the internal exploration of your values and allow that to direct you in creating a career path that serves not only your work, but also your soul and how you are here to serve.
Be sure to check out my blogs this month on shifting your perception of how to communicate your value in the Age of Mindfulness.