What to Do When Your Values No Longer Match Your Organization was originally published on Ivy Exec.
When your values no longer align with those of your organization, it creates tension you can’t ignore. You might feel stuck between needing the job and craving peace of mind.
If you’re feeling like your workplace doesn’t align with who you are, it doesn’t mean you’re too sensitive or difficult. Instead, it reflects your integrity and proves you aren’t okay with compromising your true self for a job.
But what can you do if you’re in such a position? Read on to discover the measures you should take if your values no longer match your organization’s.
👉 Be Clear About Your Values
You will often have a lingering feeling that something is amiss at work whenever the company’s values don’t align with yours. Some days, you may feel drained and frustrated even if you never have a hard time doing your job. You could also feel disconnected from your team and the company’s mission.
Unfortunately, you can’t address a values conflict without first understanding what you stand for. Ask yourself questions such as:
- What makes me feel proud of the work I do?
- What situations leave me feeling uneasy, even if no one else seems to be bothered?
- Which boundaries am I unwilling to cross for the sake of success?
- What behavior do I need to see in leadership to feel respected and safe?
- If I were mentoring a coworker, what values would I encourage them to adopt?
Once you figure out your values, write down the top five. You can then take a close look at how they align with or differ from your current organization.
If you value transparency, you may feel disconnected because executives make decisions behind closed doors. On the other hand, you might feel out of place because you value work-life balance , but your boss only rewards those who work late or skip vacations.
Understanding where your company supports your values and where it dismisses them will help you decide your next move. It allows you to react to insights and facts instead of frustration.
👉 Have Honest Dialogue
When your workplace ignores your core values, it’s easy to think there’s no point in speaking up. You might even convince yourself nothing will change, or worse, that raising concerns will backfire. However, the first step toward real change is a thoughtful and honest conversation.
Before you consider quitting, ask yourself if you’ve given the right people a chance to understand how you feel. If you haven’t and you feel safe speaking up, approach someone who has influence, such as:
- A direct manager
- An HR representative
- An executive you trust
As you discuss the matter, be transparent, calm, and constructive. Let whoever you’re addressing know you have been thinking about your values, and list them. Then, mention you’ve noticed areas where the company is falling short. You should also emphasize that you want to explore ways to help the organization close the gap.
Approaching the conversation with curiosity, instead of confrontation, can open doors. Speaking up in good faith will also show you’re mature and care for the organization’s future.
Some executives welcome feedback and reward it, while others are rigid and defensive. If the person you approach dismisses or ignores your concerns, it may be time to consider changing jobs.
Even if the outcome of your feedback won’t be ideal, you’ll know you acted with integrity. Besides, you’ll have peace of mind for trying to rectify the situation before walking away.
👉 Find Out What’s Within Your Control
Not all change in your company needs to start at the top. In many cases, you may have the opportunity to make a difference in your role or team. Before you start hunting for your next job, determine the things you can control.
For example, you may be able to change the kind of work you do by choosing a different department. You could also decide to speak up more often when you notice anything that doesn’t align with your values.
Another option could be to make space for other employees who may have similar concerns, but they feel unheard or unseen. Here are a few examples of what taking control could look like:
- Propose a volunteering day if you value community impact
- Suggest using a shared feedback tool to enhance transparency
- Mentor a junior employee to support growth
These steps may not significantly alter the company’s mission or prompt leaders to take accountability. Still, they allow you to create meaningful change for yourself and other employees. In the long run, your actions may have a ripple effect far beyond your position.
👉 Assess the Emotional and Ethical Cost of Staying
Sometimes, no matter how honest your conversations are or how hard you try to make changes, nothing improves. Leaders may fail to listen, and your workplace may become increasingly toxic. They could also continue making choices that contradict your beliefs and core values.
Sadly, staying in the wrong work environment will slowly wear you down. Initially, you may feel stressed, but these feelings can evolve into resentment and burnout. You might find yourself doing things like:
- Saying yes when you want to say no
- Keeping your head down when you see something wrong
- Avoiding hard conversations to maintain peace
If you no longer feel like yourself and are compromising your values, it’s time to assess whether you should stay. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is my job affecting my peace of mind?
- Am I proud or ashamed of my work?
- Am I focusing my energy solely on the negative aspects?
These questions will help you determine if trading your values for money, health benefits, or flexibility is worth it. If it’s not, decide the kind of future you want and set a time frame. Then, draw boundaries and take care of your mental health.
Let Integrity Guide Your Next Move
Workplace values that contradict your own can impact your sense of identity, motivation, and well-being. Identify what you believe in and determine how well your company upholds it.
Speak up if you feel safe doing so, and look for small ways to influence positive change. If nothing improves, assess the cost of staying and set a clear plan and timeline for your next step.
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