Alignment

- After graduate school, I wanted a simple job. I took on a receptionist position at a corporate company and for two years that experience was everything I wanted. But eventually I was ready for more. Since I loved to write, I applied for a role in the company's communications department. I got the job and moved desks. And that was wonderful too. My nerdy writing self was deeply satisfied. Until one day I was asked to write for a satellite company related to my organization. When they told me the subject of the project I was to write on, my eyes went wide. I fundamentally disagreed with the argument they wanted me to make. How could I write a promotional piece for something I clashed with? It felt like using my superpowers for evil. I hoped that this was a one time request, so I took on the project. But eventually, writing pieces I disagreed with became my norm. And in the end, because I knew I didn't align with my organization's mission and values, I left. After this lesson, you'll also be able to discern whether or not your values align with your role and organization. This process begins by asking three key questions. The first question you need to ask yourself is, what do I value? Most people run into a boundary issue with their organization, a situation where they feel their personal lines have been crossed because they haven't taken the time to get clear on what their values and boundaries are in the first place. And that's very normal. Sometimes you don't know what feels wrong until you experience it. But knowing who you are and what you hold sacred, will help you greatly when you approach your work environment. In my case, I had to remind myself that when I felt uncomfortable writing on topics I disagreed with, that was because it crossed a personal value I had. Being clear on your principles makes it easier to recognize if they fit well together with your organization's. Next, ask yourself, what are the non-negotiable behaviors or values that when present, directly conflict with what you believe? For example, if you value integrity, but notice leaders in your organization are consistently dishonest or bending the truth to guarantee certain outcomes, that's a red flag. That signals the type of environment you are in. And if that environment goes against what you naturally believe, there's going to be a conflict. And conflict usually leads to boundaries being crossed. Determining the values that are a barrier to your success will also tell you if you align with your role and organization. Finally, ask yourself, what does my organization value? This one seems like a given. But when's the last time you read your company's mission, vision, and/or value statements? It's easy to assume what your smaller team culture is like, but what about your organization as a whole? Get the clear picture of what your organization stands for and then hold that up to what you stand for. Looking at the two things side by side will help you see clearly whether your work's proclaimed principles line up with what you are about as a person. When your values align well with those of your company and individual role, that's amazing and allows you to be productive. Spend some time this week making a list of what you value and then go find your company's value statements. You're going to gain so much clarity knowing whether or not they align.