Ever find yourself staring blankly at your computer screen, feeling drained and uninspired, wondering, “Is this all there is?” If your work-life feels lacklustre and you're emotionally, mentally, and physically depleted, it’s easy to feel as though you’re stuck in a rut. But before you throw in the towel, there’s a common but often overlooked culprit that might be at play: your values. Specifically, a clash (or misalignment) between them, and the organisation's.
What are values? What does it mean if they are misaligned?
Values are the core principles that drive us—they shape our sense of purpose and influence our decisions and actions. They are what we hold dear and define our view of what’s right and important. When your values don't 'fit' with your role or organisation, it can create a significant mismatch, leading to tension, dissatisfaction, and even burnout.
For example. You might deeply value career advancement and professional growth, but find yourself in a role with little opportunity for development. Or perhaps you cherish flexibility and work-life balance, yet your organisation insists on rigid office hours. These discrepancies can erode your sense of wellbeing and job satisfaction, making every workday feel like an uphill battle.
How can you identify values misalignment?
Recognising values misalignment requires a deep dive into your own values and how they mesh with your current work environment. Here’s how you can start:
Define your core values. Take time to identify and articulate them. What aspects of work are most important to you? Is it growth, flexibility, creativity, or something else? Write them down and reflect on how these values align with your current role.
Assess the fit: Evaluate whether your role and organisation reflect these values. Are there specific instances where you’ve felt your values clashing with your work environment? For example, have you been passed over for development opportunities or faced challenges in maintaining work-life balance?
Degree of misalignment: Determine whether the misalignment is minor or a major issue. Minor misalignments can often be addressed with adjustments, while major discrepancies might indicate a more fundamental incompatibility.
Consider your options: If misalignment is severe, assess whether it’s worth staying or if a change is necessary. If you believe the role or organisation is crucial for your career growth, think about strategies to manage and mitigate the negative impacts.
Strategies to address values misalignment:
Once you've identified values misalignment, consider the following steps to address it:
Communicate and negotiate: Discuss your concerns with your manager. Propose solutions or adjustments that could better align with your values. For instance, if growth is important to you, suggest opportunities for development or mentoring.
Seek internal solutions: Explore ways to find alignment within your current role. Can you shift responsibilities, join different projects, or get involved in initiatives that better match your values?
Develop coping strategies: If changing the situation isn’t feasible, create strategies to manage the misalignment. Develop routines or practices that help you stay focused and motivated despite the discrepancies. For instance, prioritising hobbies or self care.
Preventing values misalignment in future roles:
Looking ahead, there are proactive steps you can take to avoid values misalignment in future job opportunities:
Do thorough research: Investigate potential employers by reading reviews, exploring their social media presence, and talking to current or former employees. You might even consider talking to customers! This will give you insight into their culture and values.
Ask targeted questions in interviews: Ask specific questions about the company’s values and how they are practiced. For example, if you value professional growth, inquire about development opportunities and their accessibility. If work-life balance is important to you, ask about flexible working options and seek concrete examples.
Understand the culture: Request examples of how the organisation’s values are demonstrated in everyday work. Ask / explore which behaviours are rewarded, and which aren't. This helps you gauge if their values align with yours.
Meet the team: Before accepting a job offer, consider arranging an informal meeting with your prospective manager or team. This can help you get a sense of the workplace culture and whether it aligns with your values.
In a progressive workplace, aligning values with your role and organisation is more important than ever. If you're lacking inspiration at work, it could be attributed to a number of things; but one common one is values misalignment. By proactively addressing and managing it, you can foster a more fulfilling and inspiring work-life. And remember, your next job might just be the perfect match for your values—take the time to find it.