Having a strong organizational culture that matches your mission and values is essential for a company’s success. When your culture aligns with what you stand for, employees understand what’s important, and they know how to make decisions that support the company’s goals. This alignment also makes the workplace feel more connected and purposeful, which boosts employee satisfaction and engagement. As Peter Drucker, a famous management consultant, said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” This means that without the right culture, even the best plans can fail.
1. Understand Your Mission and Values
To create alignment, you first need to clearly understand your mission (what your company aims to do) and values (the principles guiding how you work). This understanding will be the foundation for building a culture that reflects these important ideas. When everyone knows the mission and values, they have a shared sense of purpose. Here are some key points to start with:
- Define your mission – What is the main goal or purpose of your organization?
- Clarify your values – List the core values that guide daily actions.
- Share widely – Make sure everyone in the company knows the mission and values.
2. Embed Mission and Values into Daily Actions
Once your mission and values are clear, make sure they’re part of everything you do. Leaders should set an example by living out these values daily. For instance, if one of your values is teamwork, leaders should encourage collaboration and recognize those who work well with others. Embedding your mission and values can be done through:
- Training programs – Teach employees how the values apply to their work.
- Recognition and rewards – Celebrate those who demonstrate the mission and values.
- Regular reminders – Include mission and values in meetings and communications.
As Simon Sinek, a leadership expert, says, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” When employees understand the “why,” they’re more likely to feel connected to their work and to each other.
3. Measure and Adjust for Ongoing Alignment
Aligning culture with mission and values isn’t a one-time task. Regularly check if the culture is still in line with what the company stands for. You can use surveys or meetings to get feedback on how well employees feel connected to the mission and values. When issues arise, take action to adjust and realign. Some steps to consider are:
- Conduct regular culture surveys – Ask employees if they feel connected to the mission.
- Gather feedback – Hold open discussions to understand any gaps.
- Make adjustments – Based on feedback, take action to strengthen alignment.
Creating a culture that truly reflects your mission and values takes effort, but it’s worth it. It helps your team stay motivated and ensures that everyone is moving in the same direction. Ready to align your organizational culture with your mission and values? Book a call with ACG today to learn how we can help you build a strong, values-driven culture.