Values, Schmalues

Does the work that you do align to your personal values? 

Does the work that your company purports to do align with it's "stated" organizational values? 

When we interview or apply to jobs, we look at the job description, see if our resume matches it, and then if the compensation seems right - we go for it. 

But how many of us have asked a company leader or interviewer what the organization's values are? 

The reason that we don't ask is because it's a touchy-feely type of question. 

You are bound to be seen as one sandwich short of a picnic if you start asking a lot of business book, "that's academic BS", "quit watching TED Talks," questions. 

Here's the thing. A well-run company not only has documented values, it's culture exemplifies each and every one of those values. 

In her book Daring Greatly, Brene Brown says that there are "aspirational values" that describe the elusive list of values that reside in our best intentions, on the wall of our cubical, at the heart of our parenting lectures, or in our company's vision statement. 

We've heard these aspirations before. You hear words like:

• Integrity
• Outstanding value to markets and clients
• Collaborative winning
• Do what is right.. 

And the list goes on.

Then there are practiced values which is how we actually live, feel, behave, and think. Are we walking our talk? 

When the gap between practiced values and aspirational values is wide enough, a disengagement divide (and a feeling of disillusionment) occurs. (Again - Brene Brown). 

So ask your leaders or recruiters or team members whether the work they claim to do aligns to the company's values.

If the company doesn't have any values, then that's a different problem.