Spring Forward with Values
Quote: “Anything that is measured and watched, improves.”
Bob Parsons, Founder, Go daddy Group
Why Values and Culture Matter
Innovation, accountability, customer service, integrity, and collaboration are all examples of culture & values within an organization. However, some team members wonder why all discussion and focus on values? Why even talk about culture when data and strategy seem to be the focus of most leaders.
The Power of Repetition
Additionally, communication experts tell us that we need to hear something at least seven times to remember it. The idea that we can communicate something one time and that is sufficient, is a myth. Therefore, it take repetition for us to remember and then get incorporated into our daily routine. In fact, they tell us that a new habit takes 30 days to become consistent. Obviously, repetition is critical to successful change.
Practice Builds Stronger Values
Furthermore, another key is practicing what we want to change until we get it right. Values and culture require us to develop a discipline about how we work, live, make decisions, and relate to one another. As a result, the old adage, “Practice makes perfect” is true. When we practice being innovative, it will feel awkward at first but then gradually it will become natural.
Expanding Values Through Action
Moreover, another way in which practicing our values and culture helps is that it causes us to think more broadly about other ways we can practice them. For example, when a team first starts practicing integrity they may think of how to have greater integrity in what they say. Over time, they may begin considering how their actions could display more integrity as well. Or maybe they would begin to consider how their policies could be more transparent and reflective of their values.
Consistency Builds Trust
Ultimately, the greater the consistency between values, culture, and practice; the deeper our culture runs and creates a strong environment for success. Conversely, gaps between our values and practices breeds mistrust and causes others to question whether we believe what we say. As a result, mistrust will always spread and destroy the positive initiatives we have underway.
Final Thought: Values Are the Lifeblood
In conclusion, values & culture then are the lifeblood of your organization. Leaders must pay attention to and monitor the strength of their values within the team. Otherwise, leaving this task to chance is a gamble that will be costly!
