Empowering teams through shared values
Values are the fundamental beliefs and guiding principles that organizations operate on consistently and repeatedly. They define what is important to the organization, how decisions are made, and the expectations for team conduct. Known or unknown, teams will ultimately engage those whom they serve with those values as the characteristics of the service provided
Values will vary widely from workplace to workplace, but whether they are widely known, they shape the entire workplace – from the company’s vision, mission, goals, policies, and procedures. – through to the service provided.
In the team setting – work, volunteer organization, places of worship, or any other group setting, awareness of shared values supports a sense of unity and purpose among the members. When members of that team are living their shared values, a culture that is positive and collaborative may be nurtured. Additionally, shared values can help to attract and retain future members who are a good fit for the team. Awareness of shared team values can also inform and guide decision-making within the team setting. When faced with a difficult decision, employees refer back to the company’s values to help them make the adjustment to their situation.
Values are the fundamental beliefs and guiding principles that organizations operate on consistently and repeatedly. They define what is important to the organization, how decisions are made, and the expectations for team conduct.
Alignment with shared values at every step and expression of the organization provides a rich and satisfying workplace culture. Living out our shared team values supports a sense of camaraderie and respect among team members.
The diagram illustrates five essential components of identifying and then engaging with shared values in our teams.
We start with individual team members. Once they are aware of their own values, then the group’s values are known by creating synthesizing the individual team values into a group report.
This prepares for engaging one another and the values we bring into the group. We’ve seen groups come alive as they realize the full potential of the impact their team can have on those whom they serve. The team is now ready to explore values that are embedded within both internal and client-facing documents. These three realms of values-awareness prepares the way for conversations by the team.
But it doesn’t stop with conversation! The natural and powerful out flow of the insights gained in conversation have a direct application on the daily operations of the team setting. Are our shared values in alignment with how we interact with those whom we serve? Are they in alignment with how we interact with each other? How might we adjust our interactions with those whom we serve? Do our newsletters, communications, policies and procedures align with the values we hold as a team?
Empowering teams through shared values results in direct application to the real-world in which the team serves everyday. those whom they serve with a deep sense of their team values.
From public and private sector workplaces, to not-for-profit organizations, faith-based and non faith based settings, privately and publicly funded post secondary education educational settings, our team of values facilitators are skilled professionals ready to engage your team on a pathway of discovery.
Reach out for a conversation to get your team started on a pathway of engaging your clients – regardless of your workplace sector. Download our complementary working paper entitled, Values in the Workplace.
Why not reach out and start a conversation about getting your team started on a pathway of discovery?