Core Values: The North Star of Your Career

Do you sometimes get the feeling that something’s not quite right with what you’re doing at work? Or, do you feel stuck or frustrated in your career path? You're not alone, and there’s a simple explanation for it: your decisions aren’t aligned to your core values.

Think of your core values as your non-negotiables, the fundamental principles driving your decisions and actions. They represent what truly matters to you, what motivates you, and what brings you a sense of fulfillment.

Knowing and applying these values benefits you in several ways:

1. Clarity and Direction: Forget chasing fleeting trends or caving to external pressure around what you “should” do. Your values become a filter, helping you focus on opportunities that align with your principles, giving you a sense of purpose and direction.
2. Empowered Decision Making: When faced with both big and small challenges like coming to a career crossroads or how to handle a sensitive conversation at work, your values are your guiding light. Whether it's a new job offer, a challenging work environment, or a career change, they help you make informed decisions that feel authentic.
3. Increased Self-Awareness: Identifying your core values is self-discovery in action. This introspection fosters a deeper understanding of your strengths, development opportunities, and aspirations, helping you make conscious choices about your career path.
4. Authenticity and Attracting the Right Opportunities: Living by and incorporating your values into your story foster authenticity. This attracts opportunities, colleagues, and organizations who share similar values, building a strong personal brand that can help you find an energizing and supportive community.
5. Greater Job Satisfaction: Working in a role and for an organization aligned with your values leads to greater satisfaction and fulfillment. You'll experience increased motivation, engagement, and a sense of purpose in your daily work.

Finding Your North Star: Identifying Your Core Values

Identifying your core values is a continuous exploration. Here are some starting points:

• Reflect: Look back on 2-3 situations where you felt most fulfilled and energized. What values were present? Examples could include trust, creativity, or growth.
• Journal: Write down what matters most to you in different life areas, including your career.
• Consider Coaching: Explore 1:1 coaching that provides tools and structure to help you define your core values and how you want to apply them.

Aligning Your Career with Your Values: Taking Action

Now, let's integrate your values into your career journey:

• Research: Seek opportunities that align with your values. Research company culture, mission statements, and employee reviews to get a sense of their values. In an interview, ask questions about the company's and line manager's values and examples of how they are applied.
• Craft Your Story: Highlight your skills and experiences that demonstrate your core values in your resume, cover letter and in interviews - and be direct about what they are and what matters most to you in a role and at an organization.
• Set Intentional Goals: Set professional goals that reflect your values. This could involve seeking opportunities for learning, growth, impact or connections that resonate with you.
• Adapt and Evolve: If you're in a misaligned career path, consider which values are in conflict. Develop a plan to make adjustments within the role or explore opportunities that better reflect your principles.

Remember, your values are a general guide, not a rigid map. As you grow and evolve, your values will likely shift and refine. If you want to learn more about how to identify and define your values to achieve a more fulfilling career, sign up for a free introduction to coaching session with At the Core Coaching using the button below.