9 Professional Values To Keep You Balanced & Goal-Focused

Photo: getty
double image of professional-looking woman

You might wonder how professional values can keep your life in harmony. What about personal values? Aren’t those more essential?

The truth is that both kinds of values make for a powerful combination.

In your career, you might think that professionalism and a strong work ethic are top on the list of professional values sought by employers.

They are certainly on the list, but many other core values are vital in business and also bring harmony to every aspect of your life.

When you set life goals, just like business goals, aligning your personal and professional values as you map out your plan to stay on track is the shortest route to keeping your life in balance.

RELATED: 5 Steps To Discovering Your Core Values

Plus, it’s the path that adds meaning to your life.

Educator, public official, and political reformer John Gardner, when he talked about achieving personal and professional excellence, offers an interesting perspective:

"Meaning is not something you stumble across … Meaning is something you build into your life. You build it out of … the values for which you are willing to sacrifice something … You are the only one who can put together the unique pattern that will be your life. Let it be a life that has dignity and meaning for you. If it does, then the particular balance of success or failure is of less account."

Professional values do double duty.

On the other hand, personal core values play a critical role in how you walk your talk in business.

So, how do your values define how you show up and keep your life singing in harmony?

It doesn’t matter in which order you put these professional values. The point is to see them fitting somewhere in your life and use them as a guide for making choices and decisions.

There are hundreds of values you can explore to find the ones that fit you best.

Ask yourself: Which professional values are important to you? What are your personal values that also play at work?

Here are 9 professional values that will keep you balanced and goal-focused.

1. Integrity.

Integrity plays in any arena. Being honest and trustworthy in your words and actions lets others know that you hold yourself to a high moral and ethical standard.

Having integrity builds solid relationships no matter where you are.

2. Dependability.

Being dependable works wonders to show your boss, colleagues, and family that they can count on you for whatever they need or expect.

3. Responsibility.

Taking responsibility for your behavior is a power play.

If you’ve made a mistake or said something hurtful, being the first to clear the air is mature and a professional value that comes in handy at home, too.

4. Flexibility.

Also seen as adaptability, flexibility allows you to accept change and face it with a collaborative spirit.

You're more able to explore new ideas, strategies, and solutions with an open mind.

5. Loyalty.

Loyalty is a two-way street both as a professional value and a personal one.

When you're loyal, it's a sign of respect. And, what you give, you get back tenfold.

RELATED: Why Slowing Down & Reflecting On Our Lives And Values Is So Vital Right Now

6. Self-motivation.

When you're self-motivated, you likely take the initiative to see the big picture and take action even before someone asks.

That’s a handy value — at home and work.

7. Confidence.

When you show up in confidence, you inspire others to step up their game as you become a role model because you always do the right thing.

You often take calculated risks, clearly understand your strengths and weaknesses, and show that you have faith in yourself.

8. Learning and growing.

The opportunity to learn and grow might mean a lot to you. Personal and professional growth is essential for your sense of satisfaction and to keep things in harmony.

Keeping up with new trends and developments gives you a purpose at work and personally.

9. A positive attitude.

Having a positive attitude cannot be overlooked. You don’t dwell on adverse circumstances because you’re always looking for new solutions.

You create an environment that fosters optimism and enthusiasm, achieving the best outcomes.

Let your professional values do the heavy lifting.

Everyone responds well when you bring outstanding personal and professional values into the atmosphere of your life.

When you align yourself with these values, not only do you create a meaningful life for yourself, which includes significant work, but it allows everything in your world to operate in harmony.

Making decisions in life can be challenging but your values can do the heavy lifting. Use your values as a checklist as you face each new choice or decision.

Ask yourself this question: "Does my choice to do X align with my values of integrity, loyalty, and responsibility?"

If it does, it’s a no-brainer that you’re on the right track. If it doesn’t, it should be an easy "no" that points you in another direction.

Decide what personal and professional values have meaning for you.

Let them be your personal GPS to making good decisions that keep you on track to living your life with dignity, achieving your goals, and bringing harmony and balance both at work and home.

RELATED: A 3-Step Guide For Finding Work Life Balance (Hint: It Starts With Your Core Values)

María Tomás-Keegan is a certified Career and Life Coach for women, an award-winning author, and hosts the #1 most-watched channel on VoiceAmerica TV. After working with María, her clients know who they are, what they want, and how to get it. It starts by taking the first step. If you are in a soul-sucking job and hungry to make a change, her free self-assessment will help you know if you should stay put or explore new options and whether you are ready to do it now or later.

This article was originally published at Transition And Thrive With Maria. Reprinted with permission from the author.