claudia paghunie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The typical capitalistic mindset says exactly this: Don't Stop. Go. (Finish the rat race.)

 

But that's not what this blog is about. This blog is about knowing your value system and producing to the standard of your value system. For managers and positions above, this reads easier than it actually is. 

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We live in a world where our value systems are easily challenged and questioned. We hope it aligns with the company we work for, but we're not always that blessed. If we're lucky, they can align at least 85% of the way. Note: If you don't already know your personal values, Forbe's 15 Effective Ways To Discover And Articulate Your Core Values is a good place to start. 

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Oscar Wilde once said, “The true perfection of man lies not in what man has, but in what man is.”. Our personal value system drives everything that we do. Rooted in our subconscious, our actions become the tangible proof of our beliefs. But what can you do when you are caught in the middle between your values and your boss's values? 

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The topic of this blog came into mind when a friend came to me one day and presented a situation that was less than ideal. Her boss had asked her to fudge some data to benefit the company and put herself at a loss. Her boss, of course, never asked directly but the implication was there. "What do I do?", she asked. I sat in silence and weighed out the options. I looked at her and with every ounce of assuredness, I asked her, "What is your personal value system when it comes down to a situation like this?". Both she and I knew the answer. 

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This is the sign you've been looking for to confront the shady areas in your life you need to confront. If you are a people manager, are you truly leading the way you would want to be led? If you are a boss, are you putting your constituents in uncomfortable positions? 

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At the end of every day, we must live with ourselves so the decisions we make matter. A clear conscience is priceless. Instead of sacrificing yourself for a job that is only temporary, stand for the fight for your truth. 

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One piece of advice is to find a job where corporate values and managerial values align with yours. Harvard Business Review calls it "Job Purposing" and talks about its values in the article: Why Your Values Belong at Work.

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Don't Stop (being yourself). Go (you'll see... it'll be worth it). Good luck!

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