Are Values Statements Valuable?

Few things in an organization inspire as much cynicism as a hollow Values Statement. Words on the wall mocked by behaviors within the walls.

Values are revealed in what you do, not what you say. So is there value in stating them? If something is truly a value do you need to state it? Is it you expect to shape or reinforce people’s values by doing so? How would you know if you were successful? If you could know, shouldn’t that be a filter when you hire people?

Some leaders believe deeply in formalizing and communicating their organization’s values. Many others don’t worry about crafting values statements; their concern is aligning what they say with what they actually do.

Focus first on the behaviors that reflect the desired values for your organization. Then decide If there’s value in documenting those values. In any event, just make sure you stay true to one value – consistency.

Your thoughts?

Michael

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