YOUR 2019 PLAN!
The sort-your-life method leaders use
We’ve had “grit”, “disrupt” and “mindful working”. Now the career buzzword for 2019 is set to be “values”. Or so says Lisa Quinn, executive leadership coach and founder of Lisa Quinn Coaching,* who offers her pearls of wisdom to head honchos across the land. If you’re in a career funk, looking for your next move, or just want to know how to excel at the job you’re in, she’s the woman you go to. “Values are the components that influence your personality and outlook on life. Once you’ve nailed what yours are, it’s easier to figure out why you’re not feeling totally satisfied with your current career or to identify how you can boost your overall happiness,” she says. So how do you figure them out (and put them to good use)? With this worksheet, which Quinn asks all her clients to fill in. Get scribbling for success...
IDENTIFY YOUR VALUES
Think of a word you associate with yourself, eg “creativity”. Does that word make you want to check more than half of the boxes to the left? Then it's probably a value for you. Still no idea what yours are? Get angry. Often what makes us fume involves our values being compromised. Hate rudeness? That’s because you value respect or politeness. Frustrated when you can’t quite nail a task? “Excellence” could be a value you hold dear.
FIND YOUR PEAK MOMENT
OK, it sounds hippydippy, but stay with us. Think of the last time you felt truly fulfilled and as though the world was at your feet. It can be anything, from finishing a half-marathon to that brilliant third date with your partner. Notice exactly what it was that made you feel so content – it could be “confidence”, “fun” or “individuality”.
REFINE YOUR LIST
Rank your values from steps 1 and 2 in order of importance. Examine each, deciding, out of 10, how much you’re currently honouring it (one being most important, 20 the least). Really evaluate the past month (if “curiosity” is one of yours, but you feel you've stopped learning new things at work, it might score five or less).
CREATE YOUR BLUEPRINT
Obviously, there are some values you won’t easily be able to honour day-to-day. But if they're really important to you, make space in your free time. Got “nature” and “results” on your list? Get a tangible, outdoorsy hobby, such as gardening. Can’t get “creative” at work? Do some painting in your free time. Make a note of any values that are being neglected and set a goal to change that (eg doing a photography course or mentoring a colleague). Give yourself a time limit and stick to it.