Values Clashes

How do we make peace with a values clash?

We choose our friends, our colleagues, our mentors and make choices about who we spend time with, or even what we spend our time doing, based on an alignment of values. To me, values are our basic ideals, the things that we truly believe in that make a difference to how we operate in the world.  They are what define us. Our basic standards and the things that when all is lined up, help us feel happy, proud and fulfilled.

So what happens when we are dictated to by a situation we find ourselves in and we ‘have to’ align to values that don’t resonate with us?  Like working in an organisation where values are set by the CEO with little or no consultation?  Or finding ourselves in a country where the ‘leaders’ – who were instated by a proper and democratic system - are espousing ideals that are so far from our set of values that we may as well be living on another planet?

Well that’s how I feel. So how do I reconcile myself with this?

Democracy throws this up as a matter of course. The system is designed that I get one little vote – and make it count!! – and that is all I can say for the next 4 years!  I do get to feel slightly placated by being able to lend support to alternative methods, independent bodies that can publicise that not everyone actually thinks that treating people who are fleeing vilification from their own country need to be treated as prisoners and outlaws in the country they are asking for help from; or that the planet needs looking after and climate change is real, and big business does not call the shots in my life (wish).

I guess if a values clash is happening at an organisational level, there is always an option to leave and find an organisation that I can align to, or create one myself.  It’s not so easy when confronted with leaders of a country.  I have a vision of something different.  I will hold strong to my values, and know what is important to me and shout it loud and proud.  I may not be heard by the masses, but I will be heard by my conscience.

 

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