Cascading Values & Behaviors - Can it be FUN??

Let’s talk about something that might usually make you yawn or cringe—cascading organizational values and behaviors. At a time when individual personality led behaviors are becoming more common in the workplace leading culture confusion, this is become an urgent and critical need, now more than ever!

?Hang on, don’t reach out for your third cup of coffee yet!

What if I told you that it doesn’t have to be boring, tedious, or something your team dreads? What if, instead, it could be… fun and impactful? Yup, you read that right. Fun. ??

I am a foodie, so I’ll use a food analogy.

Why the Usual Approach Feels Like Eating Plain Toast

Here’s the thing—most of us have experienced values and behaviors being handed down from the top like a solemn decree. It’s kind of like getting a slice of plain toast when you were hoping for one with a avocado paste or a poached egg. Useful? Sure. Exciting? Not so much.

But here’s the deal: values and behaviors are the secret sauce that keeps the culture of an organization alive. They’re the foundation of what makes your team unique, cohesive, and, well… awesome! So, why treat them like boring old toast when they could be the highlight of your organizational breakfast?

?Let’s Spice Things Up! ???

I am an Indian & spices can’t be far behind! What if we took those values and behaviors and sprinkled them with a little creativity, a dash of interaction, and a whole lot of engagement? Here are some super fun ways to make sure your organization’s values aren’t just words on a wall but are lived, breathed, and do dare say it, enjoyed by everyone on your team.

• Gamifying Values and Behaviors – We Designed a Board Game ??

Who says cascading values can’t be a game? At THE GAMIFICATION COMPANY, we’ve done just that. We crafted a fantastically designed board game, SeTU – The Bridge of Values, that has become the centerpiece of our team-building sessions.

Picture this: teams gathered around a beautifully designed board, rolling dice, drawing cards, and moving pieces—all while discussing real-world applications of our organizational values. The game is filled with reflections, competitive, strategic, and, most importantly, it brought our values to life in a way that was tangible and memorable.

?The camaraderie, laughter, and deep discussions that emerged during these sessions were incredible. Plus, the board game became a staple in our office—a go-to activity for new employee orientations and team-building days. It was a game, but it was also so much more—it was a way to live our values in real-time.

• Scaling was important – We created a Configurable, Digital Game. ??

We didn’t stop at a board game. We created a digital game that turns your organizational values into interactive missions. Employees are challenged to navigate scenarios that test their alignment with the values. The best part? They earn points, level up, earn badges and even unlock rewards as they progress. ?

It is not just fun; it is transformative. Suddenly, values are no longer abstract concepts—they are actionable, engaging, and part of everyday conversations.

?Imagine the excitement when someone shouts, “I just earned the 3rd KARMA BADGE for exemplifying ‘Integrity’ in the meeting!” You’d better believe people will be talking about values all day long.

• ?We are human, we love interacting - Gamified Micro-Learning Workshops ???

We also embraced the power of gamified micro-learning led micro-workshops. We call them POPPIN SKILL-SHOTS. Instead of the usual training sessions, we designed short, interactive micro-workshops that are fast-paced and fun.

Each session is like a mini game where employees face challenges that require them to apply the organization values and behaviors. These workshops are quick—think 15-30 minutes—but they pack a punch. Employees leave each session with practical takeaways, feeling energized and more connected to the organizational culture.

?These micro-workshops were especially effective because they don’t feel like traditional training. There is no time to zone out—everything is hands-on, engaging, and directly linked to what we do every day. Plus, the gamified storytelling sessions where people share real-life examples of how they’ve seen the organization’s values in action. You’ll get a mix of inspiring, funny, and downright heartwarming stories that not only reinforce the importance of these values but also make them relatable and memorable.

And hey, maybe throw in some popcorn or a cozy atmosphere to make it feel like story time back in school—but, you know, with a more grown-up vibe.

• ?Something that people can display on their tables - Value Puzzle Games ??

Now, here’s a twist that we absolutely love—fun puzzle games that align with organizational values and behaviors! We’ve introduced puzzles where employees need to solve challenges that directly relate to our core values. Think of it as a mental workout where each puzzle piece represents a value, and the completed puzzle reveals a powerful message about the behaviors we want to see in our workplace.

For example, we created a puzzle based on the value of Collaboration. Employees had to work together to solve different parts of the puzzle, each section representing a key behavior like open communication, trust, and mutual respect. Not only did it get everyone thinking and interacting, but it also solidified how collaboration looks in practice.

These puzzles are not just a fun break from the usual workday—they’re a creative way to reinforce how our values play out in everyday situations. Plus, the satisfaction of solving a puzzle that symbolizes a key company value. Priceless.

By the way, this is a fantastic corporate gifting idea for your employees!

?DIY: Fun Ways to Make Values Stick ???

Here are some simple but powerful DIY ideas to make sure your values aren’t just talked about but truly lived and loved by everyone in your team.

• Value of the Month Club ??

Here’s an idea—each month, focus on one specific value. Get creative with how you highlight it. Maybe it’s through themed days (like “Integrity Wednesday” where everyone wears their best honest face) or spotlighting employees who go above and beyond in living that value.

You could even have a little mascot or symbol for each value that pops up around the office. By the end of the year, your team will have a deep connection with each value—without ever feeling like they’re being lectured.

• Make It Visual ??

Visuals stick with us. So, let’s get artsy! Whether it’s through murals, posters, or digital displays, make sure your values are seen and felt everywhere in the workplace.

Better yet, involve your team in creating these visuals. You could hold a “Values Art Day” where everyone contributes something—be it a doodle, a quote, or a full-blown masterpiece—that represents one of the values. This not only makes your space look amazing but also reinforces the importance of these values in a creative, engaging way.

• Celebrate the Wins ??

When someone truly embodies your organization’s values, shout it from the rooftops! Whether it’s through awards, shout-outs in meetings, or a fun newsletter feature, recognizing and celebrating these moments will inspire others to follow suit.

It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—a simple “Thank you for showing such empathy today, it really made a difference” can go a long way. And hey, who doesn’t love a little recognition?

The Science Behind the Fun: Neuroscience of Play and Self-Determination Theory

Now that we’ve talked about the fun, let’s take a peek behind the curtain and understand why these approaches work so well.

Enter the Neuroscience of Play and Self-Determination Theory (SDT)—two powerful concepts that explain why gamifying the cascade of values and behaviors isn’t just fun, but also incredibly effective.

Neuroscience of Play tells us that play is a natural way for our brains to learn and process information. When we’re having fun, our brains release dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, which not only makes us happy but also enhances our ability to learn and retain information. So, when you turn values into games, you’re tapping into this natural learning process. Your team isn’t just memorizing values—they’re internalizing them, and doing so in a way that sticks.

Meanwhile, Self-Determination Theory (SDT) focuses on five core psychological needs: Autonomy, Relatedness, Competence, Mastery, and Purpose. When these needs are met, people are more motivated, engaged, and fulfilled in what they do. Gamifying values and behaviors can directly address these needs:

• Autonomy: People are more engaged when they have the freedom to make choices. In gamified environments, players choose how to approach challenges, which empowers them and fosters a deeper connection to the values being taught.
• Relatedness: Connection with others is vital. Games often involve teamwork, collaboration, and shared experiences, making players feel more connected to their colleagues and the organization's culture.
• Competence: Everyone loves feeling skilled and capable. Gamification allows players to build and demonstrate their abilities, reinforcing their understanding of organizational values through practice and application.
• Mastery: The desire to get better at something that matters. Through repeated gameplay and challenges, employees work towards mastering the skills and behaviors that align with your organization’s values.
• Purpose: Knowing that what you’re doing is meaningful and connected to a larger goal is crucial. Gamifying values helps link daily actions to the broader mission of the company, giving employees a clear sense of purpose in their work.

When your team members are playing a values-driven game, solving puzzles, or participating in storytelling, they’re not just going through the motions. They’re engaged, motivated, and connecting with the values on a deeper level because it’s all linked to these fundamental psychological needs.

Conclusion

Cascading values and behaviors doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little creativity, a lot of engagement, and a mindset that says “let’s have some fun with this,” you can turn something traditionally tedious into an experience your team looks forward to.

At THE GAMIFICATION COMPANY, we’ve seen firsthand how making these processes fun can transform the way employees connect with and embody organizational values. In fact, we've developed deep expertise in doing exactly that.

So, let’s shake things up! The next time you’re rolling out those values and behaviors, remember: the more fun it is, the more likely it is to stick. And who knows? You might just create a workplace culture where everyone’s excited to live those values every single day.

Ready to make values cascade fun? Let’s do it! ??