The Importance of Creating Core Values with Behaviors
The Importance of Creating Core Values with Behaviors
Yawn…another blog on Core Values. Except…if you truly understand and obsess over the overcommunication your organization’s Core Values…truly a game changer for your people and performance.
Organizations with well-defined core values have 30% higher employee engagement levels which is a direct correlation to higher productivity and performance. Core values not only guide actions but also shape the culture of your organization or ministry and help in decision-making (huge!). We will explore how to create core values with measurable behaviors, the importance of living these values every day, and how scriptures can back up and enhance your set of values. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to establish solid core values that resonate within your organization and with your stakeholders.
Understanding Core Values
Core values are the fundamental beliefs that guide the behavior and decision-making of an organization. They encapsulate the organization's mission and vision and should reflect what the organization stands for. When team members align themselves with these values, the results can be exceptionally positive — from increased morale to improved productivity.
1. Defining Core Values
The first step in crafting your organization’s core values is to define what they will be. Consider the organization as a whole — what do you want it to stand for?
- Exercise: Gather input from various levels within your organization. Consider hosting workshops or surveys to collect insight.
- What Biblical scriptures can reinforce your Core Values? The Word of God never fails and can point us in the right direction.
2. Incorporating Behaviors
Your core values should not just be statements; they need to include specific behaviors that exemplify the value in action. This aids in the practical implementation of the value throughout the organization.
- Example: If one of your core values is accountability, specific behaviors might include having discussions around the outcome of a project and each person owning the results.
- Exercise: For each core value, create a list of behaviors that demonstrate how that value can be lived daily in the workplace.
Engaging Employees with Core Values
Crafting these values into core and measurable behaviors is crucial. It is not enough to write them down and hope for adherence. They need to be integrated into your daily life within the organization and reinforce expectations.
1. Training and Development
- Invest in workshops that educate employees on the significance of each core value.
- Exercise: Create role-playing exercises that place employees in scenarios where they must demonstrate these behaviors.
2. Modeling the Values
- Leadership should embrace and embody the core values actively. Employees often look to their leaders for cues on how to behave.
- As scriptures states: "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 -Value-driven leadership raises the standards for all.
Living Core Values Daily
A significant aspect of creating core values is ensuring they are woven into the fabric of everyday business.
1. Prioritizing Values in Decision-Making
- Every decision made within the organization should reflect its core values. This reinforces their importance within company culture and demonstrates their relevance in business strategies.
- Exercise: Create a decision-making framework using the core values as a guide. When difficult decisions arise, refer back to your core values as a checklist.
2. Recognition and Reinforcement
- Recognize employees that embody core values through formal systems like awards or informal acknowledgments. Ensure that the specific behavior is well articulated and praised. What you praise will be repeated.
3. Soliciting Feedback
- Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable providing feedback regarding adherence to core values. This feedback will provide insights on areas of improvement.
- Exercise: Conduct regular check-ins and pulse surveys, focusing on how well the organization is upholding its core values. Regular one on one meetings are the perfect setting for feedback.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Core Values
Injecting core values into your organizations isn’t a one-time event. It's an ongoing commitment. By defining clear core values, aligning them with specific behaviors, and ensuring that you are living them day by day, not only will you improve employee morale, but you will also contribute positively to your company's bottom line.
If you want to start your journey towards implementing transformative core values in your organization, schedule a free coaching session today here.
Core values are not just words on a wall; they are the essence of the organization's culture and should be treated with the utmost seriousness. Start today, incorporate well-established values into your everyday activities, and watch your organization flourish as a result!
