No matter what our specific values are, whatever we believe is deeply important is what guides every decision and action we take on a personal and career level.

Likewise, companies with clearly-defined values are likely to make decisions that are in alignment with those. It follows then that if employees agree with company values, and also feel that their personal values are respected at work, they will be happier and more productive, accountable and loyal.

Our personal values derive from many different sources, including our family, friends, culture, religion, education and personal experiences. They may even change over our lifetime as we question how we were brought up, learn about new ways of being, process our experiences, and begin to make our own choices.

If you are at management level in your company, it’s especially important to identify your personal values and to be aware of the values of your team members. An open discussion on the subject can greatly facilitate this process. Of course, you then need to live and work in alignment with those values.

When we transgress shared values, we find ourselves in conflict with other team members. On the other hand, operating in alignment with them, generates trust in you and within the team, and increases your ability to lead and influence others.

On a personal level, knowing your values helps you to decide where to put your attention, what to prioritise and how to behave in your interactions with others.  It gives you direction in becoming the person you want to be and allows you to feel that you are living in alignment with what matters most to you.

Take some time to really think about what’s really important to you. Is it honesty, compassion, ambition, excellence, teamwork, responsibility, independence, security, generosity, optimism or something else? Then regularly check in with yourself against those values to make sure you are still on track.

To explore your values further, contact coaching@denisehuntglobal.com