Aligning Career With Values

Are you really happy in your career, or are you just stuck in a path because it’s comfortable? Our priorities shift, and so should our careers. It’s not weak to change direction. It’s a sign of growth and a willingness to align what you do with who you’ve become. 9 Steps to Changing Your Career Path: 1. Reevaluate your priorities ↳ Does your current job align with what matters to you now? 2. Identify your core values ↳ What do you stand for today? Does your career reflect that? 3. Understand the financial impact ↳ What’s the real cost of switching? How will it affect your lifestyle? 4. Leverage your existing skills ↳ How can you apply what you already know in a new industry? 5. Network with those in the field ↳ Learn from people who are already doing what you want to do. 6. Test the waters ↳ Take on side projects or freelance work to get a feel for the change. 7. Update your personal brand ↳ Revamp your LinkedIn and resume to reflect your new direction. 8. Set clear goals and timelines ↳ Make the transition with purpose and action. 9. Let go of the past ↳ Release limiting beliefs about your career and identity. The best time to pivot is when you feel that discomfort. It’s a sign of something better ahead. When was the last time you thought about changing your career?

You scan job titles. You compare salaries. You chase prestigious names. But what if you're optimizing for the wrong metrics? Employees at culture-first companies are 3.7x more engaged. Teams with strong cultural fit outperform others by 33%. Here's your 5-step framework for finding your perfect company: 1. The Value Alignment • Culture beats compensation • Purpose drives performance • Value-aligned employees stay 4.1x longer • Meaning beats money 2. The Growth Factor • Look for learning budgets • Check promotion patterns • Development-focused teams show 29% more innovation • Progress beats position 3. The People Proof • Study team dynamics • Watch meeting behavior • Strong cultures reduce turnover by 72% • Connection beats credentials 4. The Leadership Lens • Observe management style • Track transparency • Great leaders retain talent 3x longer • Trust beats titles 5. The Balance Benchmark • Check work-life integration • Study stress levels • Balanced companies see 41% higher productivity • Wellbeing beats workload Remember: A job pays your bills But culture shapes your future ♻️ Share this with someone searching for their perfect fit 🔔 Follow Kabir Sehgal for career wisdom that puts humans first

Staying true to yourself while climbing the career ladder isn't easy. But it's crucial. I've seen firsthand how a mismatch between personal values and company culture can lead to disaster. One individual, a quiet, process-oriented person, was overwhelmed by our fast-paced, energetic environment. He left within a month. I've also witnessed people trying to adapt to cultures that didn't suit them, suppressing their natural tendencies and feeling unfulfilled. The lesson? Find an organization where your values align. Seek a culture where your authentic self can as much shine. When you find that alignment, magic happens: • You'll contribute with passion and purpose. • You'll bring your best self to work. • You'll achieve true career growth. Don't compromise your authenticity for the sake of fitting in. Find the environment that allows you to thrive, both personally and professionally.

“I just fell into it.” “It was the first job I was offered.” “My parents told me to do it." "It had the most job security/earning potential/prestige.” People come to me unfulfilled in their careers. When asked what caused them to choose that career at the start: → societal and/or parental pressure → the fear of missing out or being left behind → lack of clarity → inability to find a job are often the key reasons. Sharing a common thread: disempowerment. Decisions made not from clarity and conviction, but fear; of what others would think or survival. You can't think about fulfilment when you're down to your last dollar. Taking any job to survive is step 1 - fulfilment comes later. But if you're unfulfilled in your job and can pay your bills, it means learning from the past and making different choices. ✅ Being intentional - making decisions and choices based on your values and priorities. ✅ Drowning out the external noise, releasing your fear of judgement and being true to yourself. ✅ Getting clear on your energising skills, strengths and interests - and aligning your choices with them. ✅ Taking responsibility for your thoughts, emotions and behaviours - actions and inactions - holding you back from fulfilment. And working on them. ✅ Owning your professional development and upskilling (exploring free resources if money is tight). It means deciding, once and for all, what you want out of your career and taking charge of it. You might not be able to change your career today. But you can make a plan. What choices would you make differently now that you know what you know? #careers #personaldevelopment #jobsatisfaction

It’s not a real surprise that Accenture gave up on DEI goals after pushing it so hard for eight years. And it reflects global political trends. For companies who always saw DEI as window dressing, it’s more of a sign that their virtue signaling will sway with whoever is in charge. The truth is a lot of DEI efforts will stop being formally announced going forward because of the politically charged headaches. But here’s the secret: Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion have always existed as corporate goals in some companies and not in others, even when I started working 25 years ago. And it often comes from unexpected sources. Instead of looking for DEI, employees and interviewees will have to go a step further and ask more investigative questions. In my early days, I had to find questions that didn’t explicitly bring up race or elitism or cronyism because those topics were interview-ending in practice: How do workers collaborate here? How does this company find its best employees and managers? What are the traits of people who are seen as stars or get promoted? What traits are celebrated in the workplace? Does the loudest voice always win or are there other ways to make a good case with co-workers and managers? How are the value of our contributions perceived and measured? And customize those questions both with your work persona and the people who you plan to work with, partner with, and sell to. Some companies will pass these tests because they have put in the effort regardless of whether they call it DEI or just scouting for talent. Some will fail despite their outward claims because DEI was a trend or compliance effort for them. But this is far from the end of companies abandoning the outward messaging of DEI. I always look at pro sports as a reflection of business trends: their search for talent goes so far beyond one country or one set of schools or one pedigree regardless of politics or social trends. The most competitive companies will do the same. https://lnkd.in/gt9GPzvi

The hardest person to manage is ourselves. In 2005, Peter Drucker wrote an Harvard Business Review article that feels like it was written for today’s world. He emphasized something powerful: the ability to manage ourselves. In a time when career paths are no longer linear and change is constant, his insights are more relevant than ever. Drucker challenged us to ask three big questions about ourselves: - What are my strengths? - How do I perform best? - What are my values? These questions aren’t just for the Napoléons and Mozarts of the world—they’re for anyone navigating the complexities of the workplace. Here’s how to reflect on these ideas and manage yourself more effectively: 1. Discover Your Strengths Most people think they know what they’re good at—but many are wrong. Drucker proposed a simple solution: feedback analysis. Write down your expectations every time you make a key decision. A year later (or maybe a few months later), compare the actual results with what you expected. Patterns will emerge, showing you where you truly shine—and where you don’t. Tip: Focus on your strengths. Instead of trying to fix every weakness, double down on what you naturally excel at to achieve excellence. 2. Understand How You Perform People work and learn differently. Are you a reader or a listener? Do you learn by doing, writing, or talking? For example, Eisenhower excelled as a Supreme Commander because he prepared with written questions but struggled as President because he had to answer spontaneously in press conferences. Tip: Align your work style with what suits you best. If you’re a listener, seek discussions; if you’re a writer, carve out time to process through writing. 3. Live by Your Values Values are your internal compass. They define not just what you do but how you want to show up. Drucker shared the story of a diplomat who resigned rather than compromise his values. Knowing your values ensures your work aligns with who you are at the core. Tip: Periodically ask yourself: Does my work align with my values? If not, it may be time to pivot. As work evolves, so must we. By understanding our strengths, adapting how we perform, and living by our values, we can chart fulfilling, impactful careers. For me, this is a reminder to pause and reflect—not just on WHAT I’m doing but HOW and WHY I’m doing it. The hardest person to manage truly is ourselves, but when we embrace that challenge, we create opportunities to grow, contribute, and thrive in ways that feel deeply aligned with who we are. #reflection #learning #clarity #growth #improvement #leadership #humanBehavior #curiosity #values https://lnkd.in/enjcH4VJ

Are You Wasting Your Potential in the Wrong Place? No matter how talented you are, being in the wrong environment can make you feel undervalued and ineffective. Stuck in the Wrong Environment? You’re not alone. It’s more common than you might think. Matching your skills to a job description is often straightforward, especially if you're experienced. But finding the right work environment? That’s the real challenge. The Reality: A work environment is more than just tasks and responsibilities. It’s about: -Common Goals: Is everyone moving in the same direction? -Shared Vision: Can you see yourself contributing to it meaningfully? - Aligned Values: Do these values resonate with your own? - Inspiring Mission Statement: Does it motivate you to give your best? The right environment allows you to thrive, where your skills, passions, and goals align seamlessly with those of your team and organization. But finding and staying in such an environment is not always easy. Ever Found Yourself in a Mismatched Environment? Many have. Working in a place where you don't quite fit can drain your energy, stifle your creativity, and leave you feeling undervalued. But recognizing your worth can help guide you to where you truly belong. Reflect on the Do's and Don'ts: ✔ Do's: -Reflect on Your Values: Identify what truly matters to you in a work environment. -Seek Alignment: Pursue organizations that share your core values and long-term goals. -Be Proactive: Take the initiative to find environments that reflect your true self. -Acknowledge Your Value: Remember, your worth is defined by your unique qualities and contributions, not your current situation. -Set Higher Standards: Surround yourself with positivity and support, ensuring you’re in a place where your potential can thrive. ❌ Don'ts: -Settle for Misalignment: Don’t remain in environments that drain your energy and stifle your creativity. -Ignore Your Worth: Don’t let your current circumstances define your value. -Compromise on Values: Don’t work in places that don’t align with your core values and goals. -Stay in Toxic Situations: Don’t be afraid to leave environments that diminish your spirit. -Neglect Self-Respect: Don’t forget to prioritize self-awareness and self-respect as you grow personally and professionally. #WorkEnvironment #PersonalDevelopment #Alignment

When you see lists celebrating companies for making changes to DEI policies, it’s easy to assume these organizations are champions of diversity, equity, and inclusion. But headlines often obscure the full picture. Take John Deere, for example. While this list might appear to signal their commitment to DEI, a closer look reveals a more complex reality. Their decision to cease sponsoring social or cultural awareness events and audit training materials reflects a troubling shift away from meaningful inclusion. Adding to this, their statement distancing the company from diversity quotas and pronoun identification shows a selective approach to DEI. This serves as an important reminder: NOT ALL DEI EFFORTS ARE CREATED EQUAL. True diversity, equity, and inclusion require an unwavering commitment to uplifting all marginalized communities—not just those whose support aligns with corporate comfort or public image. Companies don’t get to cherry-pick which groups they’ll support, leaving others—such as LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, Black and Brown communities, or people with disabilities—behind. DEI isn’t a token gesture or a PR move. It’s a pledge to create equitable spaces for everyone. So when you see these articles and images, dig deeper. Are these companies truly embodying the principles of DEI, or are they merely reacting to external pressures? Performative actions and diluted commitments aren’t enough—not when real lives and livelihoods are at stake. Rejecting anti-DEI sentiment is a start, but it’s only the beginning. What we need are organizations willing to lead with courage and advocate unapologetically for inclusion. Because when even one community is excluded or seen as “other,” we all lose. As Audre Lorde wisely said, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” It’s time for companies to embrace this truth, take real action, and build a better, more inclusive future for everyone. True inclusion doesn’t allow for exceptions—when even one group is left behind, the work is incomplete.

Are you building a career around... your values -or- your expectations? When your path feels out of alignment, it’s often a call to reconnect with your core values. For leaders navigating reinvention, values serve as a compass, guiding us toward choices that truly resonate with who we are and the impact we want to make. When your next chapter is built around what genuinely matters to you, the work doesn’t just look good on paper... it feels right in your soul. Here are a few ways to lean on values as you shape your next professional chapter: 1) Identify Your Three Core Values as Your True North As we shift into new ventures, it’s easy to get caught up in what seems impressive or “marketable.” Take time to identify or rediscover your top three values. Write them down, and check in with them regularly. Are these principles clearly reflected in the work you’re choosing? Do your goals feel aligned with these values? This practice brings clarity and makes it easier to say “yes” to what’s right and “no” to what’s not. 2) Use Values to Filter Opportunities Especially in transition, many options can arise, and it’s tempting to explore them all. Before diving into new projects, ask yourself: Does this opportunity align with my values? Does it contribute to the legacy I want to build? This filter helps ensure that your choices add authentic value to your life rather than just filling up your schedule. 3) Reflect on Values When You Feel “Stuck” or Uncertain Feeling stuck is often a sign of misalignment with your values. When you sense that resistance, revisit your core values. Ask yourself where there might be a disconnect. Sometimes, the act of reconnecting with our values helps dissolve doubt and make a tough decision feel much clearer. 4) Share Your Values with Key People in Your Life Transparency about what drives you isn’t just for your benefit. Share your core values with those close to you: • mentors • peers • loved ones This opens the door for deeper connections and meaningful conversations. It also invites accountability: when your values are out in the open, you’re more likely to stay true to them. 5) Embrace Values as Fuel, Not Restriction Sometimes, leaders worry that values may “limit” their choices. The truth? Values expand what’s possible by giving your journey depth and meaning. They prevent burnout by focusing your energy on work that aligns with who you are. Trust that this foundation fuels both fulfillment and long-term success. As you step into this next phase, let your values be your steady guide. Professional reinvention is a journey, and values keep you moving in the direction you desire most. 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗮𝘆 “𝗻𝗼” 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆?

Let’s be honest: Finding a diverse and inclusive workplace is becoming more challenging in today’s polarized world. 😔 If you’re a member of a historically oppressed group, or simply care about human rights and social justice, the current political landscape and hateful public rhetoric can make you feel anything but welcome at work. As a trauma-informed career coach, I’m often asked: “How do you distinguish companies that truly value diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from those just giving it lip service?” While there’s no foolproof way to identify these companies, there are strategies you can use to increase your chances of finding an employer that genuinely cares about its employees and strives to foster psychological safety. I’ve compiled 9 practical ways to determine whether an organization prioritizes DEI, along with thoughtful questions to ask to assess their culture and values: https://lnkd.in/gdCUJJF6 One of my favorite methods? Scrutinize their political donations! You can use tools like OpenSecrets to track corporate contributions. Donations that contrast starkly with your beliefs may be a red flag about the company’s priorities. What strategies have you used to identify truly inclusive workplaces? Share your ideas below! 👇🏼 #DEI #Jobs #LinkedInTopVoices