Yesterday I was invited by a group of Young HR professionals. To tell them about the course of my career. And the choices I have made in that regard are based on my personal values. There are times when I still feel very young and dynamic. But when I stand there in front of a group of young people, I realize that I have reached the stage of maturity. Painful. Anyway. Because I think that my tips are not only interesting for young professionals but for all professionals, I am happy to share my story about personal values and career values with you.
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I obtained my master's degree in HRM in 2014. Every subject was interesting. But perhaps I learned the most from the personal leadership masterclass. This was part of the full master. There I learned what authentic leadership is. And how you can organize your life and make a career according to your own compass. In other words; based on my personal values.
My own most important personal values are:
If I am allowed to work and live in accordance with these principles, then I feel inspired and happy. In fact. If I'm not feeling well, I know that one of these values is in jeopardy.
I have learned through trial and error what is important to me. My first tip for anyone looking for a suitable career; look for your most important values † There are many tests out there that help you with this, such as this test, or google for 'personal values test'.
Okay. So I work from my personal values. But what else makes me love my job so much? And that I have taken steps forward in recent years? How do I use my personal values as career values?
If you want to grow as a professional, it is important that you look for an organization with growth potential. Or at least one that focuses on change. Because that means that new things have to be developed. Instead of being busy with people 'doing it like we always did'. This way you can show what you have to offer.
Speak up and give your opinion. If you give good feedback, the organization will move forward. They are waiting for that. But also ask for feedback for yourself. Because that gives you confidence. It shows that you dare to make decisions when you can. But that you also have a view on where you can improve yourself. We call that ownership.
Gather good mentors around you. In this example I mean people who can help you further but have no interest in your functioning (such as managers). And also look for a mentor of the opposite sex. You will see that they think in a different way than you do.
Keep an eye on your own responsibilities and those of others. Because it is of no use to anyone if you put other people's responsibilities in your own backpack. You don't always have to have an immediate answer to everything. Of course I continuously advise in my position. But I am not ultimately responsible. So the difficult decisions always lie elsewhere.
Always make sure you look neat. It may have nothing to do with your personal values, but it does give you confidence! And self-confidence is certainly important in your career.
It helps if you somewhat know which way you are going. Set goals—with your personal values in mind—and get yourself on the right track. These goals are of course flexible. I know where I want to be in 5 years (long term). And I know what I want to have achieved within 1.5 years (short term). And my short term goal corresponds to my long term goal. That way I know I'm on the right track.
It is also important that you continue to develop yourself. Also get an acquaintance from outside the organization. In the early stages of my career, I almost always studied part-time. Now that I am a mother I unfortunately have less time for that. But I do make sure that I go to a training and seminar every year. And I also read a lot of books. About my and other fields of expertise.
Some book tips for your development
This sounds a bit contradictory to my previous tips. But if you want to achieve something, you simply have to work hard and show yourself. Make sure you are visible. But do respect hierarchy.
In organizations there are important people with a formal position. But there are also important people without a formal position. Make sure you can see that. Because they are the ones who have influence. And it is useful to stand out from them in a positive way.
But above all; find work you like and enjoy it! Most Dutch women have a myriad of options. We can work full time, part time and sometimes not even work. But above all, make a choice that suits you, your capacity and your personal values.
I manage to work 4 days, because I have a nice job and a nice family. That creates balance, also in my personal values. The fact that my husband also works for 4 days certainly contributes to this.
Shutterstock photo women at work by Monkey Business Images
