I recently attended a Networking event for a
Consulting group I belong to, and we were discussing the reason why we became
consultants in the first place. It was a great exercise for us to do as a
group because it gave us a deeper appreciation that we're all essentially the
same.
As
one of the first to speak, I was the first to bring up the fact that as
Consultants, we're more able to remain true to our values than if we were
working for someone else. When employed, it can be very difficult to say
to your boss: "I'm sorry, I won't do that. It's against my
values." Most would agree that it's a pretty sure-fire way of
getting on the boss' bad side.
So,
what do you do? You have to work; you don't have the calling to be
self-employed. (And believe me; it's not for the faint at heart!!!)
How do you remain true to your values?
First, Lets look at
the top five keys to being true to your values:
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| Image: Courtesy iStock |
1. What ARE
your values?
Before
saying that you can be true to your values you have to take the time to
identify them. Take some time for
yourself, and write them down. What is
important to you might not be what’s important for others, so focus on
yourself. If necessary, hire a
life-coach or another professional expert to help you identify them.
2 Why are they
your values?
Do you sincerely feel strongly about them? Or are they simply the values you were raised
with? Many of us were raised in a
different faith than we practice today, and we still carry around with us our
upbringing. Do you list a value simply
because your parents value it? Or your
Church? Or your spouse? These are hard questions to ask. But the answers and the clarity they provide
go a long way.
3. What are you
prepared to give up for your values?
Would you be willing to break a friendship? Quit a job?
Confront a colleague, a boss?
What about your faith, are you ready to re-evaluate what you’ve been
saying you believe? When we define our
values, in a sincere and honest manner, many people find themselves perplexed
by the fact that they need to re-assess many aspects of their lives. Whether it means making changes in your
social activities, or being more honest with yourself regarding your beliefs
and faith, being true to your values will, without a doubt change you. But set aside the fear of change, it is
always a change for the better.
4. What allies
do you have around you that share your values?
Look around?
Are you fortunate enough that you have people around with the same
values as you do? Does your spouse share
them? What about co-workers? Family members? The more you surround yourself with those who
share your values, the less likely you will be forced to make unpleasant
choices. There is definitely strength in
numbers.
5.
How do you communicate your values to those around you?
We have all been exposed to extremists of all sorts. Think about how it felt to have someone tell
you that what you believed was wrong and that they knew better. Not a pleasant time, was it? What about when you see the results of
Fundamentalism in the news? Excess in
ALL its forms is unhealthy. As a
Christian, I believe in the Word. But I
don’t beat people in the head with my Bible.
It’s important to make an effort to dialogue openly with the people
around you. Be open to different ideas
and opinions and share yours in a positive manner. Don’t close your mind. You’ll only find darkness.
Have you taken the time to do this exercise? What did it bring you, how has it affected
you?
Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas. I’d love to know what your opinions are!
Until next time!
