Career Development
A guiding principle in your career
In my long experience there is one powerful piece of career guidance we can tend to neglect, forming the foundation of who we are, shaping our decisions and guiding our actions, whether we’re always conscious of it or not.
I speak of values.
Values are, in many ways, our self-evident truths. When your personal values match your work environment, challenges feel purposeful, relationships thrive, and your efforts carry real meaning. But when values are misaligned, the experience can be jarring and deeply unfulfilling.
Imagine for a moment that you’re the kind of person who places a high value on integrity and authenticity. You pride yourself on being transparent and fostering trust, whether with colleagues or customers. Now, suppose you find yourself working in a culture that prioritises speed over accuracy or favours appearance over substance. High-pressure meetings focus on numbers, at any cost, even if it means cutting corners or presenting results that don’t tell the full truth. At first, you might adapt. Everyone else seems OK with it, so you tell yourself, “It’s just a minor compromise,” or, “This is how things work.”
But over time, the cracks in that façade start to show. You might feel a gnawing discomfort or guilt when your name gets tied to work that doesn’t truly reflect your standards. It could show up as disengagement; you stop sharing ideas because the environment doesn’t feel safe. And as this misalignment compounds, you start to feel like you’re losing sight of the very reasons you entered your profession in the first place.
Now imagine taking a different path. After reflecting on the stress and internal conflict, you decide to search for a workplace that aligns more with the values that are truly self-evident to you. Perhaps you find an organisation that prioritises long-term relationships over quick wins, or one that values ethical practices as much as outcomes. Once you’re in an environment where integrity and authenticity aren’t just buzzwords, everything begins to shift. You feel energised, confident, and inspired to make the kind of contribution that feels meaningful. Your work no longer feels like a constant push; it becomes an extension of who you genuinely are.
Self-awareness is powerful. Take a moment to ask yourself, “What are the values I hold most dear? What’s non-negotiable for my personal and professional fulfilment?” Then, consider your current workplace. How well does it align with those values? If the answer isn’t clear, it might be time to explore small adjustments or even bigger changes to bring your career back into harmony.
No work environment will perfectly embody every single value you hold, but there’s a significant distinction between healthy give-and-take and constantly feeling out of sync. I suggest reconnecting to what’s self-evident for you. When your career reflects your values it becomes a domain where you can grow, contribute, and achieve success.
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