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Work Values Worksheet

Values are a core part of who we are. Our values, and the values demonstrated and supported at our workplace need to be in alignment, otherwise we feel dissatisfied, unsettled and/or out of sync.

You can print this page. If you are currently working, identify whether the work values listed are important to you personally and whether or not these values are supported at your workplace. If you are not working currently, this is a good time to reassess what values are important to you so that you incorporate these into your job search. Work with your Career Coach to identify your critical values, target organizations that are in alignment with these values, and ask the appropriate questions. If you think of additional work values that are not listed but are very important to you, add them.

Work Values	Is this critical to my job satisfaction?	Is this present in my current workplace?
1. Every person is treated with respect, regardless of position.
2. Honesty and ethical behavior are the norms for all business interactions.
3. Every person's contributions are valued and appreciated.
4. True teamwork exists. People support each other and work together.
6. People are competent at their jobs and strive to do their best for themselves and for the company.
7. Most people are truly committed to the vision and success of this company, including myself.
8. It's okay, and even encouraged, to have fun at work.
9. Most people get along on a day to day basis.
10. Creativity is viewed as an important skill, and creative approaches to problems are welcomed and taken seriously.
11. Reasonable risk-taking is encouraged.
12. People are, in general, open to differences in culture, experience, life style and world views.
13. The physical environment is comfortable and pleasant to work within.
14. There is plenty of opportunity for advancement.
15. There is an emphasis on learning, and opportunities for learning are a priority.
16. The work is mentally stimulating and challenging.
17. It's okay to make mistakes once in a while.
18. There is sound leadership and the future of the company is secure.
19. Opportunity exists for me to make the money I want.
20. I have authority to make the decisions I need to in order to be successful.
21. The right resources are available to achieve the important business goals.
22. Communication is seen as a priority; most people know what they need to know.
23. I have flexibility with my time as needed, as long as I accomplish my goals.
24. Goals and expectations are reasonable given the resources and time I have to accomplish them.
25. Other work values that are important to me:

You Just Got Laid Off - Now What?

"I got called into the VP's office today, and they told me I don't have a job anymore"
Your company may be using fancy words to describe what has happened - like rightsizing, downsizing, reorganization, re-engineering, consolidation, business shifting, etc.

The plain and simple truth is - you got laid off.

This is not happy news, even if you hated your job.

It stings to hear the words "Your services are not needed anymore. Please pack up your personal belongings and you will be escorted out of the building." Often the people leading these changes are not very sensitive to the fact that you are a human being and you have been loyal to this company!

Here are some tips if this happens to you:

1. Expect to experience a wide range of emotions.

Even if you "saw this coming" and it is not a total surprise, you will have many feelings over the next few days and/or weeks. Even if you are actually relieved that you don't have to get up every morning and go to this job - you may experience sadness, confusion, anger, shame, shock, fear and maybe even euphoria. Having a wide range of emotions that last, in some cases, a few weeks, is normal. If you find yourself experiencing extreme emotions over an extended period of time, you may want to consider seeking out professional guidance.

2. For the first 48 hours after losing your job, focus only on yourself.

This is NOT the time to call everyone you know to begin networking. Talk your feelings over only with family and your close circle of trusted friends, not all of your work colleagues and networking contacts. This is critical. You need time to vent your concerns and emotions. Otherwise you may say things you might regret and you may inadvertently leave impressions upon people that are misinterpreted.

3. Get prepared before you begin your job search.

Have you thought through carefully what you are actually going to say about why you are no longer working at company X? This is very important. You may think you know how you are going to explain this…but until you try speaking it out loud and get some feedback about how your statement comes across, you may be sabotaging your chances for a new job.
Have you reviewed your skills and experience?
Have you given careful consideration to what the right job is for you at this point in your career?

4. Actions you might want to take immediately.

Start updating and revising your resume based on what type of position is a good match for you at this point in your career (you might find you need professional help here)
Look on the internet for an idea of what types of jobs are out there.
Make a list of the people you will want to contact for advice (after you have thought through exactly what you will say)
Write down your strengths and be prepared to state your top three accomplishments from a business perspective
Read appropriate journals and articles to be sure you are current on market changes and new language and buzz words
Seek out the professional services of a career coach, if appropriate

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