"Your company values are terrible!" 😡
If you're ready to fight me on this statement, you're either working at a fantastic company (they're out there!) or the creator of your company's values. The former is uncharacteristically fortunate. The latter is the norm.
Let's be honest. Company values are usually half-hearted attempts at industry norms: "A company we think is cool uses values effectively." Or perhaps, "We don't want our employees to think we don't have values." Or even, "HR said it's hard to attract talent without company values, so our CEO created some values that allow him to do whatever he wants without accountability."
Values are like a map for a ship. It's only helpful if it's in use, trusted as authoritative, and anyone working against "the map" is thrown overboard. The ship analogy may be a bit extreme, but you get the idea.
Most companies create some values, nail them to a wall or document, and then walk away. The values don't live where the work gets done. The values don't represent the team. The values aren't memorable. The values aren't instructive, so they fail to inform decisions about whether to turn left or right (remember the map analogy?).
Like a map, values are only helpful if they're trustworthy and ever-present before your eyes. Use an inaccurate map or keep in in the back room? The result is the same: Don't be surprised you're constantly wandering off course—or lack one entirely!
I decided to change the landscape. Using the pattern below, I've helped many companies find, create, and establish values that produce results. If you're looking for easy, this isn't the path. If you're looking for results that will outlast you, you're on the right journey. I'm glad you're here. 🤗
Mega props to Jonathan Sheeley and Ethan Walfish for helping to identify common gaps in company values. They're both excellent, trusted folks who love incorporating values into their work and service. Follow them. 💙
As always,
Stay humble. Hang tough.
Trainer - Consultant - Author
6moWell said