The Value of Values: how to use yours as a strength
When I coach individuals and teams, we often find ourselves circling back to values—whether consciously or not. I bring them into my work proactively, but they also surface naturally in response to the questions people ask.
How can I make better decisions?
I’m struggling to connect with my boss—what can I do?
Why am I feeling unhappy at work?
I need to make some of my team redundant—how do I handle this?
How do I make a good career move?
Values represent your core beliefs & principles—your internal compass, guiding decisions, actions, & reactions. It is often the instinctive reaction we get, positive or negative when something happens. It intrinsic and it’s what Daniel Kahneman often refers to in Thinking Fast and Slow as System 1 thinking – our Fast, automatic and emotional responses.
Understanding our values and living a life which aligns with those values often results in feeling fulfilled, motivated, & at peace. However, when values are compromised or tested or flat, it can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, or dissatisfaction. It’s the ones that set fire to your belly when tested.
1. Understanding Your Emotions
When you are unexpectedly upset at work, reacting more strongly than you’d expect, this heightened emotional response can be a sign that one of your values has been triggered. E.G if you value honesty & perceive dishonesty. Being aware and making a conscious shift from “Why am I so upset?” to “Which of my values is being challenged right now?” allows you to address the root cause.
2. Connecting with Others
Trying to connect with your boss or navigating the difficult process of redundancies, viewing the situation through your values can help identify approaches that are authentic and respectful. The more genuine you are, the stronger the connection you’ll build. Understanding your own values, recognising those of others makes it easier to manage conflicts.
3. Decision-Making Framework
Look at decisions through the lese of your values can help identify what might be causing discomfort & help ensure choices reflect your true self, increasing confidence & acceptance. This clarity aids decisions that are in line with your principles & identify what needs to be resolved.
4. Matching Values with expectations
You don't need to have all values fulfilled from the same environment. We can seek activities outside work to fulfil values that are not fulfilled at our place of work.
Proactively use your values whilst interviewing to help decide the best fit for you, where you know you can be content.
How Coaching Can Help
A coach can help you identify and anchor your key values, guiding you to better understand how they influence your emotions and decisions. Beginning to consistently align your actions, decisions, & behaviours will naturally bring more fulfilment. When you see emotional reactions as signals that values are being tested, you gain power to address the real issue. Rather a feeling of overwhelm, use emotions as a guide to make changes and increase emotional intelligence and mental fitness.
My deepest value is integrity. What is your value that gets tested often at work?