From Theory to Reality: 5 Ways to Transform Company Values into Everyday Practices

In the busy world of work, there's a topic that often gets an eye roll or a sigh: company values and culture. You've probably heard it all before - those big words stuck on the walls, in the emails, and on the website. But why does it all seem so bloated and detached from our everyday lives?

●????? The Buzzword Effect Let's face it, phrases like "values-driven" and "culture-fit" can start to sound like corporate buzzwords, lacking the depth and meaning that they should hold. It's easy to dismiss them as just another piece of jargon, without understanding how they truly impact our work experience.

●????? The Theory-Reality Gap Many times, the values and culture advocated by a company don't always align with what we see and feel in our daily interactions. It's one thing to talk the talk, but it's another to walk the walk. When there's a mismatch between what's preached and what's practiced, it's no wonder people start to tune out.

●????? The Priority Puzzle In the hustle of deadlines, meetings, and projects, discussions about values and culture often take a backseat. It's understandable - after all, who has time to talk about abstract concepts when there are tangible tasks to tackle? But by neglecting these discussions, we miss out on the opportunity to create a workplace that truly resonates with our values and aspirations.

But before you dismiss the topic altogether, dear leaders let's explore examples how we can make it more real, more meaningful, and more inspiring:

1. Create Spaces for Dialogue

Open up honest and authentic conversations about values and culture. Invite employees to share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas for how we can strengthen our cultural fabric. When everyone has a voice and a stake in the conversation, we can co-create a workplace that reflects our collective values and aspirations. For instance, companies could organize monthly "Culture Cafés" where teams gather to discuss a specific value or cultural aspect over coffee. By providing a platform for everyone to contribute their perspectives and ideas, we can co-create a workplace that reflects our shared values and aspirations.

2. Bring it to Life

Rather than having abstract discussions in meetings, integrate our values and culture into our daily experiences. Share stories of how these values have positively impacted our work, celebrate employees who exemplify them, and recognize moments where they shine through in our day-to-day tasks. Utilize articles on internal pages or push messages in company forums or internal chats to facilitate this process. By making our values tangible and relatable, we transform them from mere words on a page into guiding principles that drive our actions.

3. Make Unwanted Behaviors “Passé”

Start questioning perceptions that make bad behaviors seem commonly accepted or normal. When we say openly "Hey, that's not okay!" we start changing people acceptance of the unwanted behavior. So, how do we make this happen? It can be done by hosting thought-provoking events where people can openly discuss and challenge these stereotypes. Or by creating eye-catching internal social media campaigns that showcase the real-life impact of glorifying negative behaviors. Whatever the approach, the goal is to ignite conversation and drive that cultural shift towards a brighter, more positive future.

4. Team Building Exercises

Don't overdo talking about values, no one wants to hear about it all the time! Yet leaders can still sneak them silently into fun team building exercises that naturally build core behaviors and reinforce positive messages take trust, for example. Ever heard of the "Trust Fall Challenge"? It's a classic where one team member falls backward, trusting their teammates to catch them. It's not just about building trust; it's about embodying the values of teamwork and support. So, be creative and design some amazing team events!

5. Walk the Talk

And now my final note… It's not enough to just talk about values and culture, we need to embody them in everything we do. Whether it's through our actions, decisions, or interactions with others, let's aim to be living examples of the values we hold dear. When we lead by example, we inspire others to follow.

So, the next time someone brings up the topic of company values and culture, let's not roll our eyes or sigh in frustration. Instead, let's open up, lean in, listen attentively, and engage with each other. Because when we come together to build a workplace that truly embodies our values, magic happens. And who wouldn't want to be a part of that?