Your Work Values
Start off on the right foot by having a clear idea of your values, work preferences, and career goals. Apply these preferences and priorities to your job search to assist you in finding a job you can really enjoy.
MATCH YOUR PERSONAL VALUES TO YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT
Do you want to direct your own career? Do you want to showcase your skills, talents and personality? Do you want to choose a job that you can love?
FINDING A GOOD EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE MATCH
Print off this page. Then, identify your preferences and values in the main areas which will affect your work life. Rate your preferences on a scale of 1(high priority) to 5 (low priority). Write down your preferences and refer back to them throughout your career development. If you can find a job that meets most of the higher-priority items on your list, chances are good that you will be satisfied with your job. And we really hope that you find them in the co-operative sector!!
1. Preferred work environment:
- busy
- dynamic
- quiet
- straightforward
- constant flux
- steady pace
- clear and simple work
- goals
- challenging
- changing responsibilities
2. What level of security will help you perform to your highest standards:
- constant flux
- transitional company
- self-employment
- new company
- promotion opportunity within the same company
- new opportunities outside the company
- established company
3. Financial and personal reward:
- benefits
- set wages
- bonuses
- steady pay increases
- performance-based pay
- commission
- recognition of contributions to company
- sense of achievement from work or after-work life
- company with broad social mandate
- company with straightforward goals
- training and advancement opportunities
4. Decision-making responsibility and role:
- delegation responsibility
- shared leadership
- self-direction
- leadership
- objectives and priorities set by company/boss
- supervision by team-leader or boss(es)
- team-work
5. What's your work style:
- thrive on rapid deadlines
- prefer to work behind the scenes
- steady pace
- independent work
- experimental team-work
- methodical practices
- like to be in the thick of things
- enjoy innovation
CLARIFY YOUR VALUES
Research companies and roles that match your values. All employers are not the same. By trying to find the right 'company fit,' you'll be better able to enjoy your work and showcase your talents.
Knowing how you work and what makes you thrive in the workplace is a vital part of taking a step in directing your own career. Whether it's your own office, a small company that relies on strong individual leaders or a large office managed by dynamic teams, you need to know which workplace is most suited for your style and work values, regardless of what particular career you have chosen.
You will be best able to develop and showcase your skills, talents and personality within an organization that matches your personal work values, regardless of which particular career you have chosen.