Saturday, June 23, 2012

A521.5.1.RB_HansardCarey


A521.5.1.RB_HansardCarey
         After taking the values assessment, I see that many of the values that I rank the highest actually have more to do with personal happiness rather than reasons that are professionally related. Two of the values that are the most important to me were stability and security and balance between home life and work. These are things that I have valued ever since I had children. I want to make sure that I can provide for them through their college years and I usually try to play it safe in my career so that I can achieve this stability. That is not to say that I have not taken risks, but I definitely have tried to do my best so that I was an asset to the organization I was working for. At the same time, my children and family are more important to me than anything and I want to be sure that I have a balance between my job and my family’s needs. I want to be there for my kids’ games and performances and I also want to make sure that if my parents or husband need me to be there for them that I can do that. The job that I have now allows for me to have some flexibility with my schedule and be there for the important events in my family’s lives. I have struggled with the stability and security aspect of my job. I was a high school teacher for 18 years and have only been in my current position for about a year and a half. I had tenure and did not have to worry about losing my position in my previous job. However, I was not happy anymore and that was weighing heavily on my mind on a daily basis. Recently, there have been many changes in my department that have left many people feeling uneasy and wondering about the future. At the same time, there are several people working for my organization who have worked there for over 15 years and so I tell myself that counts for something.
         The other values that stood out to me were about the importance of teamwork and groups, self-respect and pride in my work, and respect, recognition, and being valued. I like working with others in my workplace. I do not want to be so isolated. As a teacher, although children constantly surrounded me, I was isolated from my peers and colleagues. The environment I am in now allows for sharing of ideas, collaboration on projects, and a feeling of belonging within the group.
         As I mentioned earlier, I make every effort to do a good job not only because I want others to see my value in the organization, but also because I take pride in the products that I put out there for my customers. I respect myself and want respect from others as well. It is not necessary to have constant recognition for what I do, but it is nice to know that someone else, especially my supervisors, know that I am doing quality work within the organization. In the department that I work in, recognition is an integral part of life. The CTO holds monthly meetings and has an agenda item for accolades. Throughout the month, she collects emails and personal notes that have been written to or about employees for the great work they have done. She shares those notes with the staff at every meeting. This time is especially important to employees because they are assured that she knows about the good things they are doing.
         Overall I believe that the organization that I work for does align with the values that I hold. Employees are not going to find every value that they hold dear embodied in one organization, but when you find one that is close, don’t’ leave!

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