Crafting a Culture of Excellence: Three Steps to Determining Organizational Values ??

In organizational success, values are the threads that weave together the very fabric of culture. They define who we are, what we stand for, and how we operate as organisations. For HR professionals, the task of determining and nurturing these values is an art that requires a delicate balance of vision, collaboration, and authenticity. Here's how you can master this art and help shape a culture that reflects your organization's aspirations:

1. Engage with Leadership: The journey begins by engaging in deep conversations with your organization's leadership. Ask them: What kind of organization are they trying to create? What behaviours and environments do they value? Their responses provide invaluable insights into the "vision" values that leadership envisions for the organization. These values are the North Star that guides your culture.
2. Listen to Managers and Seniors (and, by extension, Employees): Your organization's current culture is a living testament to its existing values. Take the time to listen to existing managers, seniors, and employees' perspectives within the organization. Recognize the shared values and ways of working that already exist, no matter the organization's size. These values are the foundation upon which you'll build your culture.
3. Harmonize Vision and Reality: Now comes the artful task of harmonizing the vision values with the current values. Identify overlaps and define the values that resonate with both the aspirational vision and the real-world scenario. This process ensures that your values are not just aspirational but also grounded in the organization's DNA.

Crafting and nurturing organizational values is an ongoing journey, not a destination. It's a journey that requires a deep understanding of the organization's aspirations, a recognition of its current culture, and the ability to bridge the gap between the two. When done with care and authenticity, it sets the stage for a culture of excellence that propels the organization toward its goals.

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