In my 42-year career, having been actively involved in strategic planning and implementation across various companies, I’ve come to appreciate the profound impact that values have on every facet of our lives. From shaping the workplace culture to guiding our personal decisions, values act as a compass that leads us towards our goals.
Personal Values as a Guiding Force
Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Responsibility, Gratitude, Empathy, Diligence, and Good Work Ethic—these are not just words but the guiding principles that I have tried to use to shape my professional journey and personal life. I use them to define how I interact with others, make decisions, and approach challenges, both big and small.
Values in the Workplace
In an organisational setting, values are the DNA of the company’s culture. They define how employees interact, make decisions, and approach their work. In the absence of specific rules, policies, or procedures, it’s these values that guide decision-making. They ensure that objectives are achieved in a manner that aligns with the company’s ethos, fostering a positive workplace environment.
Alignment Between Personal and Workplace Values
Finding a workplace where your personal values align with the company’s values is crucial for long-term happiness and success. This alignment creates a sense of purpose and direction, making work more than just a job but an extension of your own beliefs and aspirations.
The Reality of Workplace Values
It’s essential to note that just because an organisation lists a set of values doesn’t mean those are the values you’ll observe in practice. True happiness in the workplace comes when the stated values are not just words on a wall or a background image for your computer screen but are lived by each day.
Values in Professional Career
In one’s professional journey, values act as a beacon, guiding career choices and professional relationships. They help in setting goals and determining the path to achieve them. A value-driven approach to leadership when you develop and lead teams, forming a positive workplace where collaboration and integrity are at the core of success.
Values in Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is not just about setting goals; it’s about determining the culture required to achieve those goals and defining the values that will shape that culture. Aligning values with business objectives creates a cohesive and motivated workforce, ensuring that everyone is working towards the same vision.
Values in Personal Life
Values extend beyond the workplace into our personal lives, influencing our relationships, choices, and overall well-being. Traditions, such as the celebration of Christmas, support values of family and appreciation. The act of giving gifts is not merely a ritual but a reflection of gratitude and love.
Traditions as a Reminder of Values
Traditions serve as a constant reminder of our values. They connect us to our roots and reinforce the principles that guide us. Whether it’s a family gathering or a corporate tradition, these rituals are more than mere customs; they are a celebration of the values that define us.
Taking Control of Your Journey Through Values
Whether you’ve explicitly identified your values or not, the reality is that you are living by a set of values that are steering your life’s course. If you find yourself dissatisfied with your current path, it may be time to take a step back and consciously select a set of values to adopt. By doing so, you take control of your journey, ensuring that it aligns with your true aspirations and leads you to a destination that brings fulfillment and happiness.
Conclusion
Values are the invisible threads that weave the fabric of our professional and personal lives. They guide us in the absence of explicit rules, shape our culture, and define our traditions. In my 42 years of experience, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of values in achieving goals and creating a fulfilling life. When personal and workplace values align, and those values are genuinely lived by, the result is a harmonious and fulfilling experience.
