The Quiet Cost of Not Knowing Your Values and Strengths

If I asked you what your company values were, you'd probably be able to tell me. But what about your personal values?

You know the feeling - the nagging frustration, exhaustion, or uncertainty that creeps in when something just doesn’t feel right. But often, we don’t pause long enough to ask, “Why do I feel this way?

The reality is, when we don’t know our values or our strengths, life and leadership become heavier than they need to be.

The Cost of Not Knowing

1. Decision Fatigue
   When you’re unclear about your personal values, even small decisions become overwhelming. Should you take on that new project? Push for that promotion? Hire that person? Without a clear internal compass, every decision feels like a tug-of-war.

2. Saying Yes to the Wrong Things
   If you don’t know your strengths, you’ll spend too much time trying to fix your weaknesses instead of embracing what you’re naturally good at. You’ll say yes to roles or tasks that drain you, rather than leaning into what lights you up.

3. Feeling Stuck (But Not Knowing Why)
   When you’re operating outside of your values and strengths for too long, you start feeling stuck. Maybe you’ve hit all the milestones, but something still feels off. Your confidence starts to wane because you’re constantly pushing against the current.

4. Leading Without Clarity
   If you’re unclear about what truly matters to you, your leadership will feel inconsistent. One day, you’re laser-focused on results; the next, you’re questioning how others perceive you. Teams pick up on this. People follow leaders who are clear about who they are and where they stand.

So, How Do You Get Clear?

1. Identify Your Core Values
   Think back to a time when you felt truly proud of how you handled a situation. What mattered most in that moment? Was it integrity? Growth? Impact?

2. Recognise Your Strengths (Not Just Skills)
   Strengths aren’t just things you’re good at - they’re what come naturally and energise you. Ask yourself: When do I feel in flow?

3. Audit Your Alignment
   Take a look at your daily work. Are your values reflected in how you show up as a leader? Are you spending more time fixing weaknesses than leveraging strengths?

4. Make a Shift
   A small change can make a big difference. Delegate what drains you. Say no to what doesn’t align. Choose one action today that brings you closer to working with your values and strengths, not against them.

Final Thought

We tend to think we need more motivation, but I’ve learned we need alignment. The leaders who thrive aren’t trying to be everything to everyone - they know who they are, and they lead from that place. And it feels easier for everyone.

If you’d like some help identifying your personal values and strengths, I’ve got a couple of simple questionnaires to share.

Send me a message here and I’ll send them to you.

Photo by Sarah RK on Unsplash