The guest column in the Triangle Business Journal, “Strong ethics provide guidance,” discusses feelings of uncertainty and unrest in the modern world. These feelings can be attributed to human nature, best represented by common questions that have been puzzling philosophers for thousands of years. Some of these questions include “What was I made for?”, “What is the purpose of life?”, or even “How should we conduct ourselves?”. People regularly find their purpose through their career, which often reflects their key personal values. The author proposes that during times of distress, people should look toward formal leadership for guidance. Reflecting on the article’s overall message, I drew from experiences in my own life. Recently, I was feeling lost in my career and felt unsure of where I fit into the bunch. I wanted to fill needs and consistently meet expectations– Where I increasingly felt I had been lacking. These thoughts clouded my mind and ability to recognize my own strengths and passion for higher education. During this time, similarly to the author’s suggestion, I sought the advice of my supervisor. She affirmed that I had been fulfilling the responsibilities of my role, exceeding in certain areas, and highlighted areas of growth. By having a one on one conversation about values of the office, she grounded my experience and encouraged me to continue being my authentic self. Creating a workplace culture that addresses the individualized needs of all employees, supports growth, and promotes wellness keeps employees motivated and in touch with their purpose.

Marshall, E. (2017, February 17). Triangle Business Journal. Guest Column: Strong Ethics Provide Guidance. https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2017/02/17/guest-column-strong-ethics-provide-guidance.html