What do you do if your personal values clash with your career goals in Social Impact?

Navigating clashes between personal values and career goals is a common challenge in social impact. It's like a recurring theme in the story of making a difference. As you face this challenge, it's crucial to know your own personal boundaries. Take the time to reflect on what you're willing to compromise on and what's non-negotiable. By understanding your boundaries, you can make informed decisions that honor both your values and your career aspirations.

Es una situación en la que mis valores chocan con los objetivos profesionales, el nivel de tensión que se puede generar es "enfermizo", no conviene tolerarlo, pues terminarás con ansiedad, depresión u otras somatizaciones fruto de una profunda frustración personal. DEBES ABANDONAR esa posición, la empresa, o buscar alternativas en las que puedas (no cambiarlo todo) sino influir de manera que cumplas con tu propósito. Es muy probable que en algún departamento puedas realizarte, si no fuese así busca alternativas. Por tu salud y por el bien que representan tus valores.

i would Engage in an open dialogue with my mentors, colleagues, or trusted friends to gain diverse perspectives and insights. Concurrently, i explore potential opportunities within my organization or company and the broader field of social impact that may better resonate with my values. If necessary, i consider alternative career paths or roles that offer greater alignment with my principles. Throughout this process, i would prioritize self-care and maintain a resilient mindset, acknowledging that navigating such conflicts demands patience, introspection, and proactive decision-making.

Te explico una vivencia personal. En una organización en la que trabajé, se regalaban a los clientes unos detalles que me parecían no apropiados. Ejercía como product manager y tras pensarlo, fui directo a mi superior de márquetin y le plantee: "con el producto con el que estoy trabajando no quisiera usar esta herramienta". Tras unas miradas, se convocó una reunión con el responsable de ventas a quien le parecía una buena manera de vender más. Hablamos y resultó que a nadie le parecía bien hacerlo, sólo era que parecía la manera más fácil. A mi me exigieron nuevas ideas, formas de fidelizar y así lo logramos. Plantear tus valores, explicar tus propósitos puede abrir para todos nuevos caminos hacia el éxito compartido.

Alternatives aren't necessarily finding a different organization to work in. Start by brainstorming different paths that align better with your values. This could involve seeking out different roles within the organization, advocating for change from within, or even considering opportunities outside of your current field.

La pregunta podría enfocarse: Por qué el talento se va de las empresas? o qué hacer cuando tus valores y los profesionales no son compatibles? Los objetivos profesionales tienen muchas formas de manifestarse. Desde un jefe que exige sin respeto a sus colaboradores, a una empresa cuyos métodos tienen mucho que desear. La mayoría de los jóvenes hoy, desean y exigen (cuando hay talento se observa con más frecuencia) que sus propósitos sean compatibles con los de la empresa. Qué hacer? hablar claro ! Desde la empatía y la asertividad. Pero las cosas claritas ayudan a todos los equipos. Ser diferente, da posibilidades. Necesitamos disidentes para transformar viejas culturas en nuevas organizaciones

First of all - don't do something in the field of social impact just for the sake of personal growth. If you're going on the opportunity, make sure you'll be able to explain it to yourself and others along the way. Lastly, don't be afraid to miss opportunities. If you know your values and boundaries well, people will appreciate it.

In my opinion, the strategy to employ here is no different than what you would apply while working with a “for profit organisation.”??Clearly defining the specific values clash can help determine if it’s a dealbreaker or something you can work around. Identify how your unique skills can contribute to social good. This can empower you to find a role where you make a positive impact while staying true to your values.

Many times the gap between two very different social impact organizations is much smaller than it might seem. I worked with two social impact organizations, both trying to promote a campaign in the field of "cost of living". One was a "lefty" organization and the other was a "righty" organization. In the end, both of them were trying to achieve the same goal, just in different methods. By working with both of them I have learned a lot and understood that the difference is not that big and that you can use both methods. I was able to bring to each one of them a bit of the other approach and by that make a big difference. In addition, I've learned a lot about the field from both sides something that made me a better impacter.