Corporate values are essential to building a solid foundation for lasting success. Often perceived as the glue that holds organizations together, they are integral to team cohesion, strategic focus, and work-culture development. Without them, businesses are inundated with low performance and productivity, high turnover rates, and a lack of clarity. However, having core values isn’t enough. They must be effectively communicated and embedded within an organization’s DNA to produce desired results.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations have re-established their values to align with new ways of working and interaction, inclusive cultures, and to promote employee retention. Let’s explore five ways to ensure your values are presented, ensuring your business is on track for sustainable success.
- Show more than telling. Implementation of core values starts from the top down. Leading by example is one of the most effective ways to communicate core values. The more employees see leadership intentionally exemplifying values, the more apt they are to take personal ownership. For example, if a core value is an inclusion, leaders must exhibit unbiased and inclusive behavior with every employee.
- Establish Core Value Shout-outs. Core values are often the behavior drivers in an organization. When leadership or colleagues recognize individuals actively “living out” values in the workplace, it motivates others to do the same. A great way to establish core value shout-outs is through company awards designed around them.
- Communicate values often. Repetition brings revelation. Leaders should weave core values throughout day-to-day business communication. A helpful and organic way to put this into practice is via staff and one-on-one meetings and project planning.
- Keep it simple. Company values and how they are communicated should be as simplified as possible. Be succinct and provide clear examples without over-complicating the message. Employees should be able to quickly and easily memorize values without having a cheat sheet in their back pocket.
- Facilitate employee workshops. Uniting as a team to explore values, behaviors, and what is and isn’t working is a timeless way to communicate core values. Sometimes values need to be altered and giving employees the opportunity to provide input increases inclusivity and belonging.