They are the values that motivate you and give you energy and excitement about your work.

Here are some examples of work values:

• Financial rewards convey financial security and stability. They might include a predictable salary, benefits, future employment, and the opportunity to acquire wealth.
• Task rewards include intellectual challenge and mental stimulation.
• People rewards are associated with affiliation—the opportunity to work with colleagues you like and admire.
• Career rewards provide you access to people and opportunities that will position you well for your next career move.
• Lifestyle rewards such as work/life balance allow you time to pursue other important aspects of your life, such as family or leisure activities.

Why clarify your values?

• It increases the likelihood that you’ll choose satisfying work. It may be difficult to find one position that satisfies all of your work values. But if what you’re doing for work doesn’t provide enough of the rewards that you consider most important, you probably won’t remain happy in it for very long.
• It lets you « shop » more efficiently for the right developmental opportunities. Just as you can evaluate a potential computer purchase much more quickly if you keep a few must-have features in mind, you can judge a work opportunity more wisely if you remember your most crucial rewards.
• It helps you match your reward values to an organization’s or department’s culture. Work rewards manifest themselves in an organization’s or department’s culture—the way people do things, what they expect, what they think is most important, and so forth. A large company’s different departments (for example, engineering, sales, or human resources) might have markedly different cultures. By knowing your values, you can pick the culture that will provide those rewards.

How to clarify your values

There are many different ways to clarify your values. Here are just a few:

1. Use tools: You can use various checklists or worksheets to identify your top work values.
2. Ask reflective questions: You can try these questions for reflection:
• Think of times when you’ve passionately debated something with another person: What issues did the debates center on? Which side did you take? Why?
• Is there anything for which you’d be willing to give up everything you own? If so, what is it?
• If you could share the one most important thing you’ve learned in your life with someone else, what would it be? The answers to these questions give you clues to your deepest values.
3. Consult close friends and colleagues: Finally, you can consult people who know you well. Ask them what values they think are most important to you. For example, what do they see you getting most excited about in your work?

Note: In clarifying values, many people face a common temptation to list values that they think they should have—like altruism—and to avoid listing values they think they shouldn’t have—like desire for prestige or financial gain. Be as honest as you possibly can when doing this exercise; genuine answers will make it much easier for you to evaluate and choose the best possible work opportunities for you.