Recently, I spoke to a group of young HR professionals about my career path and the decisions shaped by my core personal values. Moments like these remind me of the experience I've gained since earning my master's in HRM in 2014—even if I still feel energetic and youthful at heart. These lessons extend beyond early-career stages; they're essential for any professional seeking fulfillment. Let me share how anchoring your career in personal values has propelled mine forward.
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During my master's in Human Resource Management, completed in 2014, the personal leadership masterclass stood out. It taught me authentic leadership—organizing life and career by your internal compass, guided by personal values.
My top values are:
When living and working by these, I feel inspired and fulfilled. If not, one is out of balance. Through years of trial and error, I've refined them. My first advice: identify your core values. Free online tests, like those for 'personal values assessment,' are a great start.
Beyond values, these strategies have fueled my job satisfaction and advancement. Here's how I apply them daily as an HR leader.
For professional expansion, seek companies embracing change and innovation—not stagnant routines. This environment lets you showcase your skills and contribute meaningfully.
Speak up with constructive input; organizations thrive on it. Seek feedback to build confidence and demonstrate ownership—balancing bold decisions with self-awareness.
Surround yourself with unbiased guides who challenge your thinking. Include mentors of the opposite gender for fresh perspectives that broaden your approach.
Focus on your role without absorbing others'. Advise wisely, but let owners make tough calls. Clear boundaries prevent burnout and maintain effectiveness.
Present yourself professionally—it boosts confidence, a career cornerstone, even if unrelated to core values directly.
Set flexible goals aligned with your values: short-term (e.g., 1.5 years) feeding long-term (e.g., 5 years). This keeps you on track.
Grow through training, seminars, books, and external networks. Early in my career, I studied part-time; now as a mother, I attend annual events and read extensively.
Recommended reads for growth:
Be visible and hardworking, but respect hierarchy. Recognize influential figures—formal and informal—and build positive alliances with them.
Choose work that delights you, fitting your life, capacity, and values. I thrive working four days a week, balancing a rewarding role and family, aided by my husband's similar schedule.
Shutterstock photo women at work by Monkey Business Images
