In today's competitive landscape, a company's culture is more than just a 'nice-to-have'; it's a foundational element that drives employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and overall business success. Yet, many organizations find that their carefully crafted values and mission statements rarely surpass the conference room's walls.
So, how do you transform your company's values from mere words into actionable behaviors that permeate every level of your organization? The answer may be more straightforward than you think. This blog post will walk you through a 90-day plan to infuse your core values into every facet of your company life, using practical steps and real-world examples.
Phase 1: First 30 Days - IDENTIFY & EDUCATE
What To Do:
The first step is to articulate what your values mean in day-to-day operations. Are they clearly defined? Does everyone understand them?
Example:
Imagine one of your values is "Integrity." Instead of leaving it as an abstract concept, turn it into actionable guidelines. For instance: "We always deliver on our promises," or "We admit our mistakes and learn from them."
Tools to Use:
Orientation sessions for new hires
Detailed posts on the company intranet
Special team meetings dedicated to company values
Phase 2: 60 Days - INTEGRATE & IMPLEMENT
What To Do:
It's time to embed these values into your company's daily life. How are your leaders exemplifying these traits? How are you recognizing and rewarding value-aligned behavior?
Example:
If one of your core values is "Sustainability," introduce a 'Green Hero of the Month' to recognize employees who have gone above and beyond to implement sustainable practices in their roles.
Tools to Use:
Recognition programs and awards
Company newsletters spotlighting value-driven accomplishments
Performance reviews that include value adherence as a metric
Phase 3: 90 Days - MONITOR & ADJUST
What To Do:
After two months of active implementation, it's time to assess the impact. Are employees more engaged? Is the work environment improved?
Example:
If collaboration is your priority, hold a town hall meeting to discuss how teamwork has improved recent projects. Invite team members to share their experiences.
Tools to Use:
Employee surveys and feedback forms
Focus groups to deep-dive into specific areas
One-on-one interviews for candid feedback
Conclusion
As Doug Conant said, you must first win in the workplace to win in the marketplace. By following this 90-day guide, you're setting your company up for a culture of success. Remember, a strong culture isn't just a tagline or a mission statement on your website; the day-to-day actions and interactions define your company. Make them count.
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