By Chris Ihrig
“Have We Determined Our Norms and Values?”
While the question posed by the title of this section might appear so simple that only an affirmative answer would apply, the truth is often more complex. The urgency of the immediate and the need to address momentary pressures frequently take precedence over aligning efforts and values.
Companies with intense customer loyalty and a percentage of market share inordinate to their footprint share a common trait. They’ve taken time to create clear norms and values around:
- What they do
- How they do it
- The manner in which they will continue to invest in their team members
This dedication to their values is supported by a clear commitment to allocating resources (time, money, technology, tools, and equipment) in support of that vision.
When this form of alignment occurs throughout companies and their values are supported by their resources as a rule, instead of an exception, the results are evident to customers, suppliers, and the public as a whole.
How Does Resource Allocation Reflect Values?
“Don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I’ll tell you what you value.” — Joe Biden, United States President
The core concept embodied by this quote has been used frequently by both politicians and captains of industry. While at first glance it might seem like a platitude, ultimately, it demonstrates the importance of supporting and backing up your values. Resources, after all, can be too quickly and easily diverted away from those things we consider most critical.
A leader’s time is a key resource. Consider positive relationships, support systems, productivity, and team member satisfaction, all of which require an investment of time from a leader. When examining how your leaders spend their time, does it reflect the values of your organization? The tyranny of the immediate causes many leaders to habitually prioritize reactive over proactive efforts.
When working with leadership teams, this is a vital place for senior leadership to focus. Discuss how time, money, and other resources are being allocated, and point out positive examples from within the organization.
However, if you wish to raise productivity and company loyalty, you must go one step further. Align your organization’s resources with its values, then combine that action with:
- A positive internal culture
- Efficient systems and processes
- Opportunities for team members to grow and advance
It’s a proven path to success.
What Your Level of Alignment Says About Your Organization
People will go to great lengths to affiliate themselves with a great team. Winning sports teams, iconic brands, and world-class tourist destinations all understand that their brands inspire loyalty. They work to sustain and enhance the power of their brands through continued excellence, creating positive experiences and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
These actions maintain the impression that the organization is a winner. And, people love being associated with a champion.
Companies that maintain success over the long-term, with very rare exceptions, demonstrate an alignment of resources and values. When you consider the time and commitment to self-accountability such an alignment requires, you might wonder whether the rewards are truly worth the investment. Spoiler alert: they are!
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