A Free Tool for Living Your Team’s Values
“In any organization, values must be visible—they are not just what we claim to believe but what we consistently do.” — Patrick Lencioni
THE QUESTION
Are your team’s values just words on a wall, or are they alive in the work you do every day?
Many organizations introduce their values during onboarding, only for them to fade into the background amidst the hustle of daily tasks.
It’s not uncommon for values to become more of a buzzword than a lived standard. But here’s the thing: when values are truly embedded into your leadership and culture, they become a compass that directs decisions, drives success, and inspires growth.
Values are an underutilized tool I often see leaders neglect. But values aren’t just ideals—they’re a powerful tool to connect your team and align your efforts consistently. They aren’t just nice to have; they’re a critical driver of meaningful, sustainable success.
THE RESEARCH
Research highlights the power of living your company’s values every day. According to Gallup, only 23% of U.S. employees strongly agree that they can apply their organization’s values to their work. That’s a big gap—and a big opportunity.
When values are more than just words on paper, they create alignment, engagement, and motivation. Employees who see values come to life in their workplace are more likely to feel connected to their team and inspired by their work.
But it’s not just about feeling good—values are a strategic advantage. Teams anchored in clear, actionable principles can navigate challenges more effectively and stay focused on what matters most, even in times of uncertainty.
Living your values isn’t just a "nice to have"—it’s a proven way to boost engagement, performance, and resilience. When teams walk the talk, everyone wins.
SOME ADVICE
If you want your values to be more than just words on a wall, you must commit to celebrating them consistently and authentically.
Embedding values isn’t about micromanaging or enforcing rigid standards—it’s about making them visible and felt. This starts with how you, as a leader, embody those values in your behaviour. Whether it’s how you handle challenges or recognize wins, every action signals to your team how seriously you take the values you preach.
But it doesn’t stop there. Encourage your team to reflect on how these values appear in their daily work. Values-based discussions shouldn’t be reserved for annual retreats or onboarding sessions—they should be woven into the rhythm of your leadership.
Here’s a question: Are you using values as a framework for decision-making, or are they simply a poster in the office?
YOUR HACK
Here are five actionable ways to celebrate and embed values into your team culture:
1. Create a Values Shout-Out System and Celebrate Wins:
Embed your values into team culture by establishing a dedicated system for recognition. For example, set up a weekly "Values in Action" highlight during team meetings or create a shared space (like Slack) for shout-outs. I try to do this weekly on Fridays and encourage my team to recognize others, too.
2. Personalize Feedback Around Values:
Values are a powerful tool for delivering impactful feedback.
For positive feedback: Use values to spotlight actions that align with your principles.
For instance: “Your willingness to mentor the new hire really exemplifies our value of leadership through service. It’s making a huge difference for the team.”
For constructive feedback: Use values to frame the conversation to encourage growth.
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For example: “Clear communication is something we prioritize as a team, especially when meeting deadlines. What can we do differently next time to avoid this and keep things running smoothly?”
Connecting feedback to shared principles reinforces the importance of behaviours that support team success without feeling forced or rigid.
3. Incorporate Values into Onboarding:
Go beyond the standard introduction. Share real stories of how your team has demonstrated the values in action. This sets the tone for new hires to see values as lived practices rather than abstract ideas.
4. Host Values Check-Ins:
Schedule regular sessions (e.g., quarterly or during retreats) to assess how well your team embodies the values. Reflect on what’s working and where improvements are needed, and celebrate progress.
A tool I often recommend to clients is the “In and Out Contract.” It’s a simple yet powerful exercise to align values with team commitments and clarify what behaviours should stay or go.
Here’s a free resource to explore and try the framework with your team.
PARTING THOUGHTS
Values are not just words—they’re the principles that keep us grounded and guide us forward.
When you commit to celebrating and living your values, you don’t just reinforce your culture; you create a shared sense of purpose that drives engagement, innovation, and success.
As you start 2025, think about the role your values play in your leadership. Are they guiding your team toward your goals? Are they present in your daily interactions?
This year, let your values do more than inspire—they should define how you lead and how your team grows.
Because when values come alive, they create a culture where extraordinary things happen.
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Sincerely, The Unicorn Labs Team
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THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!