Beyond the Corporate ID: Rediscovering Your Value in a Sea of Numbers

I recently had an eye-opening conversation with a client who having reached the giddy heights of Managing Director Level in her organisation and appeared to have it all on paper as had I, yet both were still unfulfilled. We laughed about something that struck us as both amusing and disheartening: despite our high positions and apparent success, we could still recite our corporate IDs with ease. Despite our contribution and hard work this was how we were identified in our organisations. It got me thinking about a deeper issue—one that resonates with many professionals in today's corporate world.

Feeling Like Just a Number

It’s all too common to feel like a cog in the machine when you’re part of a large organisation. According to recent statistics, 55% of employees feel like they are just a number rather than a valued team member. This sense of being undervalued can lead to decreased job satisfaction and a lack of motivation, making it challenging to find purpose in what we do.

?But why does this happen? Often, it’s because we’re so focused on meeting targets, deadlines, and quotas that we forget to recognise the human element behind the numbers. When work feels like a monotonous routine, it’s easy to question whether anyone notices or cares about our contributions.

?The Power of Values

One way to break out of this cycle is by reconnecting with your personal values. In my coaching practice, I’m currently working with two clients who feel lost and unsure about their career paths. By helping them explore their core values and what truly matters to them, we’re beginning to see a shift. When you understand your values and align your career with them, work becomes more meaningful and fulfilling. You make decisions aligned with them and feel a deeper sense of confidence as you know who you are and what you want and most importantly deserve.

For my client Katie, this process was transformative. A successful professional and mother of three, standing at a crossroads where she could either advance her career with increased responsibilities or reassess her path and explore new opportunities. The key for Katie—and many like her—was to reconnect with what she values most in both her professional and personal life. Once we had this we were able to take practical steps that have helped her to accomplish what she wanted to and because it aligned with her values, it felt authentic and easy because it is what she wanted to do!

?

Navigating the Next Steps

?If you’re feeling like just a number and are uncertain about your next move, start by reflecting on your values. Ask yourself:

1. What motivates me? Identify the aspects of your work that energise you and make you feel valued.

2. What do I stand for? Understand your core values and how they align with your current role.

3. What changes do I want to see? Determine what adjustments could make your work more fulfilling and aligned with your personal goals.

?Once you have clarity on these aspects, you can make more informed decisions about your career and life. Whether it’s stepping into a higher role or pivoting to something new, knowing your values will help guide your choices and ensure they resonate with who you are as a whole person.

?

Stay Connected

?If this resonates with you and you’re looking for more insights and support, I invite you to sign up for my newsletter. Each week, I share valuable tips and advice to help you navigate your career and personal growth. DM me “Newsletter” and I will take care of it.

?Alternatively, if you’d like to discuss your situation in more detail, please feel free to get in touch. I’d be delighted to explore how you can rediscover your value and make empowered decisions about your future.

?In a world where we often feel like just another number, taking the time to understand our values and align our work with them can make all the difference. Remember, you’re more than a number—you’re a unique individual with valuable contributions to make.

?

?