What do you do if your team members are not aligned with the organization's mission and values?

1 Open Dialogue

Initiate an open dialogue with your team to understand why there's a misalignment. Create a safe space for team members to express their concerns and perspectives. This conversation is vital for uncovering underlying issues that may be causing the disconnect. Listen actively and acknowledge their feelings, showing empathy and a genuine interest in their job satisfaction and alignment with the organization's goals. Transparency about the nonprofit's direction and how each role contributes to the mission can reinforce the importance of shared values.

2 Assess Understanding

Evaluate how well your team understands the mission and values. Sometimes, misalignment can stem from a lack of clarity or knowledge about what the organization stands for. Use this opportunity to revisit the mission statement and value propositions together. Discuss how these principles are reflected in daily operations and long-term objectives. If confusion exists, clarify any misconceptions and provide concrete examples of how these values should guide behavior and decision-making within the team.

3 Educate and Train

Invest in education and training to reinforce the organization's mission and values. Workshops, seminars, or team-building activities focused on these core principles can be effective. This not only provides professional development opportunities but also helps team members internalize the values and understand their relevance to their work. Tailor the training to address specific areas of misalignment and inspire a renewed commitment to the organization's goals.

4 Recruitment Strategies

Re-evaluate your recruitment and hiring strategies to ensure future team members are a good fit for the organization's culture. During the interview process, emphasize the importance of the mission and values, and assess candidates' alignment with them. Consider incorporating questions that reveal their motivations for working in the nonprofit sector and their personal values. This proactive approach can help prevent future misalignment by selecting individuals who share your organization's vision from the start.

5 Recognize Alignment

Recognize and reward team members who exemplify the organization's values. This positive reinforcement can motivate others to follow suit. Celebrate successes that are directly tied to the mission and values, whether it's through formal recognition programs, shout-outs in team meetings, or casual acknowledgments. This not only boosts morale but also demonstrates the tangible benefits of alignment with the organization's core principles.