Worksheet for Connecting to Purpose and Values

INSTRUCTIONS

Use this worksheet when you want to strengthen your sense of purpose at work and align it with
what you value. This can help you build resilience and increase your sense of fulfillment at work.

1. What do you enjoy most about your work? List the tasks that bring you a sense of purpose and
satisfaction.
Example: “I love putting together the schedule for workflow. It’s like a giant puzzle, and I’m good at
dealing with the unexpected twists and turns that come up. I also like it when we can find clever ways to
save money or materials. Waste really bothers me.”

2. What workplace values are important to you? Read the list below and circle the two or three words that
have most meaning to you—or write your own.

Accuracy Durability Precision

Adaptability Efficiency Playfulness
Authenticity Fairness Problem solving
Beauty Family Quality
Candor Fun Quirkiness
Collaboration Honesty Service
Civility Humor Style
Consistency Independence Sustainability
Creativity Kindness Value
Curiosity Loyalty

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© 2018 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business School Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School
3. Which of your values overlap with what your organization values or needs from you? List areas of
overlap.
Example: “I chose adaptability, problem solving, and fun. My company benefits from people who can
solve problems and don’t get thrown off balance by last-minute changes. I think our department could
use a little more fun—it would motivate people!”

4. Consider how you can build on what you enjoy and what you value to make a difference in your
organization.
Example: “I’d like to combine fun with getting people to be more creative about how we use materials.
Maybe there’s a game challenge we can do—with a fun incentive, like an afternoon outing, if we can hit
certain goals.

5. How can you do more of the work that you find meaningful? Come up with a few ideas.
Example: “I’d love to be in charge of collecting more data on how we’re doing year over year. It would be
motivating to tally up exactly how much we’ve produced and where more opportunities lie.”

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© 2018 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business School Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School