A set of values is a necessity when you want to support correct behavior in your employees. When the decision to implement a new set of values is taken by the top management, it usually doesn’t work. The decision is made and divisional managers are left to actually launch and promote these values, but not many of those managers know how to accomplish that and not many of them believe in it.
They often consider these new values to be just another short-lived fad. What is the result? There is a period of chaos and after a while everything is the same as it was before. A genuine attempt to introduce values has to accept the existing culture, argues the theleadershiphub.com website.
It never works when the list of values is imposed from above, printed on a nice sheet of paper, signed by CEO and hung on the wall. All the effort put into it is futile, especially when employees can see how their line manager acts contra to the values on a daily basis.
Involve as many people as possible
When you create a set of values that is going to be truly effective, you need to invest enough time (even months) and find enough forums to discuss the topic. When people are included, they can pick the most important values and formulate their meaning. They do it themselves, and that is what can really make a difference.
Leading by example – on all levels
When middle managers behave in line with values, it has tremendous impact on their subordinates, many of whom are front line staff. These crucial managers must see that top managers respect and comply with the values as well. A manager who tried to find a solution for key talented workers proved that values based leadership can work. The first worker got a year of unpaid leave and returned to his position with new motivation for his work. The second worker, a talented woman, wanted to move to another country because of her husband. The manager found a solution with the help of modern technology – remote working in its most extreme form. Both of these workers clearly see that win-win thinking is a genuine value in their company.
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