Know your values
Your values are your compass in your working life. But do you know which values matter most to you? We guide you so you can make more informed choices about your career.
Your values reflect what matters to you at work. When you know what they are, it becomes easier to choose your direction, tasks and workplace.
Your values might include professional expertise, freedom, security, development, responsibility, flexibility, collaboration or a sense of purpose. They influence both your motivation and well-being at work.
You may only notice your values when something does not feel right. It could be the workplace culture, how decisions are made or a lack of flexibility. It could also be tasks that no longer give you energy.
Your values are your compass
When your working life does not align with your most important values, you may lose motivation. Knowing your values can help you understand what you need.
Your values can therefore act as a compass. They can help you assess your current job and make decisions about your future.
A mismatch does not always mean you need to change jobs. You may be able to change your tasks, take on more responsibility or explore another role within the organisation.
Your values can change throughout your life. What mattered to you at the start of your career may not be as important today. It is therefore useful to revisit your values from time to time.
You can also use your values actively when looking for a job. Ask about the organisation’s culture, collaboration and day-to-day working practices. This gives you a more concrete picture than the organisation’s stated values alone.
Find your most important values
This exercise can help you identify the values that matter most in your working life right now.
1. Write down your values
Choose 8–12 values that are important to you. These might include professional expertise, freedom, security, development, flexibility or collaboration.
Write each value on a separate piece of paper.
2. Choose the most important ones
Narrow down your values until you have 3–5 left. Ask yourself which values you would find hardest to do without.
Then rank them from most to least important.
3. Look at your working life
Consider:
What do these values mean to you in practice?
Are your most important values reflected in your work?
What gives you energy?
What are you missing in your day-to-day work?
What can you change yourself?
4. Choose your next step
Choose one specific action that can give your most important values more space. You could talk to your manager, look for new tasks or explore a different role. Major changes often start with small steps.
Return to the exercise when your situation or motivation changes. Your values can change throughout your life.
Do you need help in your career?
You can always contact our career consultants if you have questions or need guidance regarding your career or job situation.
Phone: +45 39 46 36 30
Mail: karriere@pharmadanmark.dk
