Aligning Inner Compass: Authenticity, Values, and Occupational Harmony

Dear readers,

I'm Eddie Solien, and today, I bring my whole self to this conversation — a proud LGBTIQA+ member, a Torres Strait Islander deeply rooted in the heart of Badu Island, and someone who lives with the daily complexities of Severe Heart Failure, left ventricle dysfunction, Auto Immune Pancreatitis, and Type 2 Diabetes. Each element of my identity shapes my perception and my interactions with the world, influencing not just personal relationships but professional engagements as well.

In this discourse, I'd like to explore a fundamental yet intricate topic — the importance of being true to oneself, understanding one's core values, and how this profound self-awareness can guide us in aligning with roles or organisations that resonate with our authentic selves.

Being true to oneself isn't merely a philosophical concept. It's a psychological scaffold that supports our mental and emotional well-being. It involves recognising and embracing our values, beliefs, thoughts, and feelings — our internal compass. As Carl Rogers, one of the founding figures of humanistic psychology, posited, "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." This acceptance isn't static; it's the foundation upon which we understand our evolving selves.

Why, though, does this authenticity matter so much, especially in our professional lives?

Our values are intrinsic beliefs that guide our behaviours, judgments, and interactions. They're the heartbeats of our authentic selves. When we identify and stay true to our values, we experience a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and contentment. However, when our environments, especially our workplaces, clash with these values, it can lead to a state psychologists often refer to as 'cognitive dissonance' — a form of psychological stress caused by holding two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes.

Imagine working for a company that prizes competitiveness over collaboration if you deeply value teamwork and communal achievement. The chasm between personal values and organizational ethos can lead to diminished job satisfaction, reduced performance, and even burnout.

So, how do we navigate this?

Self-reflection

Engage in introspection to understand what you value most. Is it creativity, diversity, leadership, community? By identifying what's important to you, you can pursue roles and engage with companies that align with these values.

Research

Before applying for a role or accepting a job offer, research the company. What's their mission statement? What values do they espouse? What's the company culture like? Informational interviews and discussions with current or past employees can also provide insight.

Ask direct questions

During your job interviews, ask questions about the aspects you value. For instance, if you're passionate about diversity and inclusion, ask about the company's policies and initiatives in this area.

Value-based decision-making

Evaluate job offers and professional opportunities through the lens of your values. Sometimes, this might mean passing on a lucrative offer that doesn't align with your inner compass.

Continuous reassessment

As we grow, our values can evolve. Regularly reassess your professional environment and its alignment with your authenticity.

Embracing this journey requires courage — the courage to look inward, to question, to assess, and sometimes, to make tough decisions. Yet, the pursuit of professional environments that resonate with our inner selves isn't just beneficial for our mental health; it enhances our performance, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.

In the mosaic of our lives, each piece — personal, professional, cultural, sexual, health-related — is interconnected. Let's ensure that the picture it forms is one of authenticity, harmony, and true contentment.

Yours in self-discovery,

E