Knowing Your Non-Negotiables
Shalu Prasad
HR Partner - Global Services at Novartis |HR Operations| HRM Transition| Employee life-cycle Management| DEI Champion
Starting my career, I was just like any other rookie, filled with excitement but unsure of where my path would lead. I knew one thing for sure though—I wanted to make a meaningful impact, especially in connecting with people and customers, which is why HR felt like the perfect fit for me.
I remember going to one of the leaders I admired for advice. I asked her, "What should I keep in mind as I progress?" Her response was simple yet profound: "Know your Non-negotiables." At the time, I was puzzled by her words and didn't fully grasp their significance. However, as time went on and I gained more experience, I understood what she meant.
Knowing your non-negotiables is about identifying those values and boundaries you won't compromise on, both personally and professionally. These could be things such as honesty, empathy, maintaining work-life balance, or even setting career goals and ethical standards— knowing these ensures decisions align with your core beliefs, leading to greater fulfillment with purposeful success.
I think of it like having your own personal GPS, guiding you through the twists and turns of your personal and professional journey. It's about tapping into your "WHY," as Simon Sinek puts it, infusing every decision with passion and purpose. And as Karen Firestone said, clarity on our non-negotiables empowers us to make tough decisions with confidence and consistency.
Sticking to your professional non-negotiables isn't just something you choose to do— I think it's like discovering your superpower. It's what keeps you true to yourself, strengthens your integrity, and helps you bounce back from anything.
Books I found help :
1-??? "Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action" by Simon Sinek - Simon Sinek discusses the significance of understanding your "why" in personal and professional endeavors, which is essential for aligning with your non-negotiables and making meaningful decisions.
2-??? The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business" by Charles Duhigg - This book explores how habits shape our lives and provides insights into identifying and changing behaviors that align with your non-negotiables.