Defining Your Values: Our Favorite Reads

“You didn’t get my email?” I said — poker-faced — to my manager. “I hope it didn’t get stuck in my outbox. I sent it just before I left on Friday night,” I casually added. I was 24 at the time, and in my first job. I’d never lied to my manager before. (Honestly!) But on the Friday night in question, I had an important gathering to attend, and I was already running terribly late. It was either the report or my family. I chose the latter. Though my manager never brought it up, and life moved on, the incident stuck with me. Contrary to what you may expect, I was the one who couldn’t let it go. I may have broken some trust with my boss, but what was much worse was the trust I’d broken with myself. I started to question my own character. The reality is that everyone lies sometimes. At work, we often lie to hide our inexperience, protect our egos, or sidestep a difficult conversation. Most often, our lies are driven by the fear of what will happen if we tell the truth. It’s human to make this mistake, and I knew that. But upon reflection, I realized that my actions contradicted my values. This is why it impacted me to such an extreme extent. It was one of the most important lessons of my career. In the years since, I’ve navigated many different workplaces and collaborated with all kinds of people. Now, whenever I’m faced with a challenge, I let my principles guide my actions. I’ve learned that no matter the situation, sticking to my core values is what makes me feel safe, productive, and successful at work. Below is my personal code of ethics: Never lie, especially at the expense of others. Don’t take credit for other people’s work. Don’t gossip with people only to bond over negativity. Give work your all, but don’t let it consume you. Work is a part of your life and not the other way around. Don’t feel guilty for saying “no” when you’re full up. Don’t let anyone undermine your work or you. If I could give advice to my younger self, it would have been to make this list sooner. When you know what’s important to you, difficult situations become easier to navigate, solutions to challenging problems feel more obvious, and in general, clarity is gained. In any work environment, knowing your values will help you succeed — and this is especially true for those who wish to set a positive example and lead. So, what are your values? What are things you’d never do at work or compromise on? Here’s some food for thought to get you started. Recommended Reads What Are Your Personal Values? By Jennifer Nash Learning about what matters most to you is key to the decisions you make in your life. Why Your Values Belong at Work By Bea Boccalandro Bringing a sense of purpose to work is good for your mental and physical health — and your career. How to Find, Define, and Use Your Values By Irina Cozma Values can help you make decisions, guide your career, and even live a happier life. How to Tell If a Prospective Employer Shares Your Values By Kristi Hedges You can’t bring your best to an organization that conflicts with your values. Like what you see? This article is adapted from our weekly newsletter.

Defining Your Values: Our Favorite Reads

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