Connect: A Values-Driven Approach
It may sound counter intuitive, but, I’ve found the best way to connect with others is to first connect with myself. What lights me up? And what are the values that drive my decisions? These two questions tend to guide me in all areas of work and life.
On a human level, everyone desires connection. To be seen, valued, heard, and celebrated by your community. On a business level, it’s much the same though, isn’t it? To be seen, valued, heard and celebrated by your community.
When thinking about your business or organization’s mission, it’s important to reflect on how your personal values might be aligned with what you do. So often, I find that friends and colleagues are not satisfied with their work. I will ask, are your values showing up in the work you do? With your employees? With your clients? And with the broader community? This is the lens I use when evaluating and making recommendations to organizations. If the answer is no to any of the questions, then subtle shits can be made in the organization’s culture that lead to more meaningful connections. Everyone wants to find a purpose, and when organizational leaders make it a priority infuse values and employee interests into the fabric of the day-to-day grind, it’s a win-win.
Below are some of the decisions that have helped me shape a fulfilling and purpose-filled career overflowing with meaningful connection.
In a nutshell, and in no particular order, here they are:
Lead with your values (What is most important to you?)
Identify what type of work lights you up (What do you love to do when you’re at work?)
Surround yourself with a complementary team (What unique skills and values do your coworkers add?)
I chose to select my career based off of my top values, which include creativity, connection, community, love, and beauty. Practicing those values in work while concurrently making a difference for a person, nonprofit or community is so fulfilling.
I have always had a strong through-line that has guided me in my decisions. My passion and idealistic nature propelled me to jump into jobs, volunteer positions, and communities that supported and nurtured my core. I feel so lucky for that. And I think it’s possible that you can create it for yourself, too!
