Behavioral Standards Formed by Values
In many successful organizations, it’s not uncommon to see posters, signage, even full wall murals in the reception area and elsewhere citing the organization’s “values.” These are often listed on the company website as well, intending to alert customers and prospects to the standards of behavior they can expect.
It’s hard to argue with these and they certainly indicate good intentions. My question for the organization’s leadership is this: How are these values being applied to work related behaviors in your organization and what role do they play in your operational, performance management, and hiring processes? And, how were these value statements developed, by whom, for whom, and with what intent?
In working with leadership teams to develop their strategy and planning, time is dedicated to development and/or review of their statements of mission, vision, and values. Whether these already exist or are being developed for the first time, those same questions apply. Specifically, how will these be applied, and integrated into all of the operating processes, performance expectations, and behavioral standards of the organization?
While development of mission, vision, and values are aided by the involvement of a broader representation of stakeholders, this is especially so for the statement of values. People tend to support what they help create, and if the true test of values is found in how team members behave, it only makes sense they should be part of their development. Having facilitated a number of these ad hoc team sessions, I am continually impressed with the engagement, passion, commitment, and quality of thought displayed by team members representing all levels of the business. The feeling of ownership in these values, what they mean, and how they will be lived wall to wall is difficult to articulate but is fully felt throughout the organization. This is leadership development in action and most any business can do this!
For more ideas and ways to get started, contact me at joe@ajstrategy.com.
Joseph P. Truncale, Ph.D., CAE, is the Founder and Principal of Alexander Joseph Associates, a privately held consultancy specializing in executive business advisory services with clients throughout the graphic communications industry.
Joe spent 30 years with NAPL, including 11 years as President and CEO. He is an adjunct professor at NYU teaching graduate courses in Executive Leadership; Financial Management and Analysis; Finance for Marketing Decisions; and Leadership: The C Suite Perspective. He may be reached at Joe@ajstrategy.com. Phone or text: (201) 394-8160.
