What Does Your Organization Stand For?

All forward-thinking companies today have either vision or mission statements (or both) and defined values. Typically these are posted at the entrance in the main lobby, discussed at new employee orientation, and included in the employee handbook. More sophisticated organizations incorporate the values into the employee and management performance appraisal process. But how well do people really understand the values and more importantly, how effectively do they live them?

In my career, I worked in manufacturing, state and federal government, insurance (both property/casualty and health), healthcare, and consulting. While everyone of these organizations had values statements (except perhaps government, but that was a long time ago), the best example of living the organization’s values came in Catholic healthcare. Not only did the hospital do all the things I mentioned above, it also had a senior level leader assigned as the mission director. She did annual training on the values which every employee was required to attend. The hospital held a yearly recognition program identifying employees who especially demonstrated one of the values in their daily performance.

The most powerful reinforcement of the hospital’s values came from the placement of triangular tent cards with the values printed on them that were placed on every conference room table. As various groups, departments, and committees met, the group members routinely referred to the values (which were right in front of them) when making decisions. Leaders in particular modeled this behavior and would often ask, “How well does this suggestion align with our values?” With the values as a guide, the organization’s decision-making was stronger and more consistent than it would have been without them. What a powerful message it sends to employees when management chooses to take a more challenging action that is in line with its stated values than an easier one.