Have you ever felt like your dream job was anything but a dream?
A couple of years ago, I worked with a client who felt completely stuck. On paper, he had his dream job – it ticked off all the right boxes. But when the organisation hit serious cost pressures, the reality was a different story. While his role and team were fantastic, the overall culture was toxic. Executives retreated into their own silos, blame was passed around, micromanagement was the norm, and trust had pretty much evaporated.
This environment clashed with what he truly valued. He found himself caught in a loop of negative self-talk, uncertain about his next move. Even though he’d only been there a year and loved his team, the toxic culture was a weight he couldn’t ignore.
In the end, he made a brave choice and left. It wasn’t an easy decision - it took a lot of courage to step away from something that, on the surface, looked so promising. But when he reflected on how much his well-being and personal values were suffering, he knew it was time for a change.
Now, I won’t pretend that everyone can make a clean break without some lingering doubts. What he did next was crucial: he took time off to really reflect on his core values, his strengths, and what made him feel at his best. He thoroughly checked the alignment between his inner self – who he was - and his next opportunity. Fast forward to today, and he’s thriving in a role and culture that feels like a true match.
Our values are the compass behind our actions.
They shape our decisions, guide us through tough calls, and ultimately define the kind of leader we become. Taking a moment to really dig into what matters to you isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s the first step toward authentic leadership. It’s also an important step when we feel stuck in life – personally or professionally.
Bringing who you are - both head and heart to your leadership is what we believe in. But here’s the catch: authenticity alone isn’t always enough. Sometimes your values might clash with the pressures to adapt, grow, or change. When that happens, connecting with and prioritising your values can spark the realignment you need.
Great leaders know their strengths and weaknesses.
They regularly reflect, seek honest feedback, and adjust their approach to make the best choices. It’s not just about being true to yourself—it’s also about being aware of the ripple effect your actions have on others. There may be times when you wish your influence could stretch further, or that you could have a different kind of impact.
That’s why it’s so important to pause, listen to the signals, and choose opportunities that truly resonate with the leader you want to be. The truth is, the leader you aspire to become should never be in conflict with your core values.
It might feel a bit uncomfortable at times—pushing boundaries, having tough conversations, or confronting long-standing habits. But that discomfort is part of the process of balancing your values with the demands of leadership.
Don’t shy away from that tension. Your values will always guide your choices. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership impact, being crystal clear on what you stand for is your best bet.
We love partnering with leaders and organisations that believe in leading with both heart and head. If this resonates with you, let’s connect for one-on-one coaching or explore our organisational leadership programs.
#RealLeadership #Values #WhoYouAre #DreamJob
Follow us on: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook