Values and Work

Values and Work Worksheet

Circle any and all characteristics that would be most important to you in a job. Intensity of feeling is key – circle those characteristics that you would LOVE to have in your job, rather than just like to have. For some categories, you may circle all of them; in others, some; in others, none.

Value Characteristics Value Characteristics 1 o Results are measured frequently and 4 o Pay is satisfactory and predictable. compared with co-workers, o Benefits satisfy my lifestyle. competitors, and customers’ results o The organization and area within which o “Winning” is rewarded. I work are considered very successful. o The organization aggressively strives o Salary increases are regular and to be the industry leader. sufficient to meet my expenses. o There is an emphasis on doing or o A sound retirement plan or long-term being “the best” in my area of investment plan is available. expertise o New standards for excellence are constantly being set.

o I can rise to a leadership position o The job has low structure, and I can set 2 within my group. 5 my own goals. o Job includes projects of high visibility o I can make decisions necessary to to senior management achieve the desired results. o The organizational structure is steep; o I set my own work schedule and may there are many levels of work in the office or at home. management o I have the latitude to accept or reject o The policy is to promote from within assignments. o Promotion is based on results, not o An entrepreneurial climate is fostered seniority or politics by avoidance of bureaucratic policies.

o The job doesn’t require too much o The job doesn’t force compromises of 3 travel, overtime, weekend, or holiday 6 my values or beliefs. work o There is a high level of honesty and o Vacation scheduling is flexible trust among colleagues. o HR policies support such issues as o Managers and co-workers are child care, elder care, and family straightforward – no games or politics leave o Employees are free to take a stand on o Flexible work schedules, time off for organizational issues without family emergencies, and/or work at repercussions. home opportunities are available o The organization is known for its o Job doesn’t require relocation. reputable business practices.

Source: Managing Professional Growth: Putting Values into Action, Blessing and White Value Characteristics Value Characteristics o Social interaction with co-workers is o Co-workers realize the importance of 7 encouraged to promote teamwork. 11 working together for mutual benefit. o Co-workers get along well together in o Rewards are based more on group a supportive, positive atmosphere. results than on individual results. o The organization has frequent social o Relationships with manager and co- events workers are supportive, not competitive. o I have much in common with co- o Work group must collaborate with other workers (e.g. interests, values, groups to be successful. lifestyles, etc.) o Manager emphasizes teamwork and o Co-workers socialize together outside encourages cohesion. of work.

8 o The job fits my image of myself. 12 o Results are openly acknowledged by o It is a reputable organization, co-workers and management. position, and job. o A program exists to reward exceptional o The organization has systems in work (e.g. awards, bonuses) place to respect individual o Manager has respect and high regard differences. for my abilities. o Manager seeks my opinion on a o Results are visible and important to variety of issues. others. o Employees are not second-guessed o Perks are provided (e.g. parking space, or over-ridden on decisions. window office, good title)

o Projects require innovation; new o Organization takes a proactive 9 ideas are celebrated. 13 approach to health and safety. o Brainstorming sessions are o Time deadlines and the amount of conducted to solve problems. stress are reasonable. o The work atmosphere is conducive to o On-site food services offer a health- imaginative thinking. conscious menu. o Peers are inventive and stimulating. o The organization encourages use of o The organization is seen as “leading exercise facilities or club membership. edge,” or progressive. o Comprehensive medical, dental, and well-care benefits are provided.

o Little negotiating or resolving of o Job experiences provide valuable 10 personal conflicts is required 14 insights that apply to other areas of life. o Deadlines can be achieved without o Research is encouraged and rewarded. last-minute panic. o I have access to highly educated, o Achieving a balance among career, experienced individuals who act as family, and outside interests is mentors. encouraged. o Leaders within the organization are o The work I do is congruent with those valued for their knowledge and things that are really important to me. expertise. o The ambience of the workplace fits with my work style.

Value Characteristics Value Characteristics o The way that I work is guided by the o Goals and completion points are 15 principles of my faith. 18 specific and measurable. o Time off is allowed for religious o Long-range projects are accomplished holidays. through a series of short-term o Differences in beliefs are respected. milestones. o The work itself doesn’t conflict with o Deadlines are challenging but realistic. my beliefs/faith. o Incentives exist to successfully complete projects. o Projects are mine from start to finish.

o The workflow is steady, predictable, o The purpose of the job is to assist 16 and consistent. 19 others. o A high level of importance is placed o Newer group members are made to feel on efficient systems and resources. comfortable, competent, and confident. o The organization is stable – o Others need my support to achieve infrequent organizational changes. results. o Goals, rules, and procedures are o Coaching and frequent feedback are clearly communicated. common among members of the work o The organization is more structured group. than entrepreneurial. o The organization returns something to the community through charitable works and contributions.

o Management recognizes the need for o The organization respects and values 17 employees to enjoy themselves while 20 its long-term employees. at work. o Low turnover is an organizational goal. o The work itself is fun and enjoyable. o Employees would not consider working o The organization has a liberal for the competition. vacation/holiday schedule. o My manager and I are mutually o Laughter is common at the office. committed to the organization’s success o The work atmosphere is light- and my success. hearted, upbeat, and energizing. o Employees relate more strongly to the organization than to their profession.

Source: Managing Professional Growth: Putting Values into Action, Blessing and White Value Characteristics Value Characteristics o Employees are held accountable for o Employees are asked for suggestions to 21 achieving results. 25 improve current practices. o I share in the success and failure of o Projects require input from various projects I undertake. departments in the organization. o Management and co-workers depend o Employees participate in defining the on me to deliver results. goals and roles of the group. o Co-workers have personal o Opportunities exist to collaborate with commitment to seeing projects others in achieving projects. through to successful completion. o Employees are asked to participate in o I am trusted to make decisions. policy decisions.

22 o A spirit of continuous learning exists. 26 o Co-workers have close, personal o Generous development opportunities relationships with one another. exist – e.g. tuition assistance, training o Celebration of significant events programs (birthdays, anniversaries) occurs. o Manager expands my abilities by o Co-workers genuinely care about one assigning me challenging projects. another. o Likelihood of transfer to a o Work group is very tight knit; a strong development position is high. sense of teamwork exists. o Systems are in place to help me plan o Affirmation and encouragement are for my career development. common practices among the work group.

23 o Speaking at professional associations 27 o Stock options or equity plans exist. is encouraged. o It is OK to manage my own business o The position is highly visible inside after work. and outside of the organization. o Bonuses, commissions, and profit o Opportunities for media exposure sharing are generous. exist. o Financial rewards vary significantly o Work is not confidential and can be depending on results. publicized. o Potential for greater return exists for o Job involves considerable contact those willing to take risks. with the public.

o Managing others or leading teams is o A sense of excitement, risk, challenge 24 a key responsibility of the job. 28 are part of many activities of the job. o My dept/job is critical to the o The department is dynamic, with organization’s success. frequent changes. o Key people respect me and allow me o “Leading-edge” projects are common. to have influence. o International work opportunities are o Expertise is more important than available. position. o Employees are encouraged to explore o The position has access to others in new and exciting ways to do the job. authority. Source: Managing Professional Growth: Putting Values into Action, Blessing and White Values and Work Summary

Instructions: 1. In the frequency column, write the number of characteristics you circled in each block on the Values and Work worksheet 2. Rank the values in terms of their importance to your job satisfaction 1. Identify your top 5 as # 1 2. Identify the next 5 as #2 3. Identify your bottom 5 as B 3. What actions are necessary to increase, or maintain, your satisfaction of your top 5 values?

# Value Frequency Ranking Actions for Top 5 1 Competitiveness (striving to win, being the best) 2 Advancement (progress, promotion) 3 Family Happiness (close relationships with family members) 4 Economic Security (steady, adequate income) 5 Freedom (independence, autonomy, liberty) 6 Integrity (honesty, sincerity, standing up for beliefs) 7 Friendship (close relationships with others, rapport) 8 Self-respect (belief in your own abilities, self-esteem) 9 Creativity (being imaginative, inventive, original) 10 Inner Harmony (being at peace with yourself and others) 11 Cooperation (collaboration, teamwork) 12 Recognition (respect from others, acknowledgement, prestige) 13 Health (physical and mental well-being) 14 Wisdom (discovering knowledge, insight, enlightenment) 15 Spirituality (faith, strong spiritual/religious beliefs) 16 Order (organized, structured, systematic) 17 Pleasure (fun, enjoyment, good times) 18 Achievement (attaining goals, sense of accomplishment) 19 Helpfulness (assisting others, improving society) 20 Loyalty (commitment, dedication, dependability) 21 Responsibility (accountability, reliability) 22 Personal Development (learning, strengthening, realizing potential) 23 Fame (reknown, distinction) 24 Power (influence, importance, authority) 25 Involvement (participating with and including others, belonging) 26 Affection (love, caring, fondness) 27 Wealth (abundance, getting rich) 28 Adventure (new and challenging experiences, risk

Source: Managing Professional Growth: Putting Values into Action, Blessing and White Abilities and Perceptions

Abilities

What I do well/Strengths:

What I need to learn/Development areas:

Perceptions

Feedback on what I do well/Strengths

Feedback on what I might do differently to improve/Development Areas:

Where I am Now Where I Want to Be Abilities Goals

My view

Perceptions Success Factors

Others ’ View