Always look for compatibility of values when exploring any relationship. It could be a partner, a family member, a colleague, or someone you may recruiting into your team. Most relationships fall apart or get strained because there is no compatibility of values.
Values have to match.
I often get asked this question, ” I have a job offer, should I take it?”
When I ask the person to tell me about the job offer, the feedback will always be about what the Job Description is, what the salary increase will be. There is rarely any assessment of the values of the team, organization, or the leader with whom the individual will be working.
- Your family is important for you, but the job demands 70 hour work weeks. There is an apparent mismatch of values. You are very likely to feel stressed.
- Another example. You are not the competitive sort. You work for a supervisor who is ultra-competitive. Will you be happy?
When choosing to join a new work-place, more than skill alignment, or compensation, it is imperative to check for value alignment.
Values are those uncompromising core principles that are the bedrock of an individual’s or team’s or organization’s personality.
Integrity, Trust, Ambition, Accountability, Discipline, Respect, Love, Honesty, Kindness, and Hardwork are typical examples of values that underpin our personality.
When the things that you do and the way others behave match your values, life is usually good – you’re satisfied and content. But when these don’t align with your value system, that’s when things feel wrong. This misalignment can be a real source of unhappiness.
Should I pursue this opportunity or Should I start my own business? Can I commit to the relationship? Should I push back, or should I compromise?
When you are clear about your values, you will be able to understand your life priorities and decide what is best for you.