What Does It Mean to Be “Values-Aligned” in Your Work?
"Values-aligned" is one of those phrases that sounds good — but what does it really mean?
If you're someone who wants to do good work in a good way, you've probably felt the tension: What happens when your work looks successful on the outside, but something feels off on the inside?
In this post, I’ll share what it can mean to work in alignment with your values — and what that might look like in real life, not just on paper.
1. Your Values Are Your Inner Compass
We all have core values — even if we haven’t named them yet. They’re the deeper principles that guide your decisions, shape your integrity, and define what “meaningful work” means to you.
When you’re out of alignment, you might feel:
Burned out even when you’re “doing the right things”
Disconnected from your own leadership
Like your impact isn’t matching your intentions
2. Naming Your Values Is the First Step
Some clients I work with name values like:
Curiosity
Compassion
Integrity
Sustainability
Generosity
Justice
Whatever yours are, naming them gives you a lens to assess where your work is aligned — and where it’s not.
3. Aligning Your Work With Your Values
This doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your career. It might mean:
Shifting the way you lead your team
Being honest about what’s draining you
Making strategic decisions that reflect your priorities
Saying no to things that no longer feel like a fit
4. The Work of Alignment Is Ongoing
This isn’t a one-time fix — it’s an ongoing practice. That’s what makes it real. You can lead with integrity and effectiveness. You can grow a business that reflects what you care about. It just takes intention — and sometimes, a little support.
You deserve to feel proud of how you work, not just what you accomplish.
Want support bringing your work into deeper alignment? Reach out here.
Or explore how coaching can help you clarify your values and lead from them.