The Power of Values: Building our Blueprint for Innovation

By Jemma Iles, Chief Futures and People Officer, Peritas

As our cities grapple with complex challenges – from population growth to the strains of climate change – finding innovative solutions is more critical than ever. But real innovation isn't something we stumble upon; it's something we deliberately cultivate.? At the heart of innovation-driven organisations, whether they are city planning bodies, engineering or design firms, or tech companies, lies a strong foundation: a set of consciously chosen core values. These values guide decision-making, spark collaboration, and empower everyone involved to think creatively and boldly about how we shape our urban and built environments.

Why Values Matter for Innovation

Research consistently shows that a strong set of values fosters an environment where innovation can thrive:

·????? Psychological Safety: Amy C. Edmundson's research, published in the Harvard Business Review, emphasises that organisations with strong values give their people a sense of psychological safety. This translates to feeling empowered to take risks, propose new (even outlandish!) ideas, and respectfully challenge the way things have always been done. This safe space for experimentation is the breeding ground of innovation.

·????? Alignment and Focus: When everyone understands the company's guiding principles, it creates alignment and a shared sense of purpose. Innovation remains at the forefront, ensuring the best ideas are readily championed rather than getting lost in internal conflict.

·????? Attracting and Retaining Talent: Organisations known for their strong values naturally attract the best of the best – the kind of innovators who are energised by working somewhere that aligns with their ideals. This becomes self-perpetuating – a company with exceptional talent is positioned to push boundaries even further.

·????? Client Journey and Experience: Values-driven companies inherently put their clients (partners) first. They are invested in understanding what drives customer success throughout their journey and are relentless about adapting solutions to meet evolving needs. This customer-centric approach builds trust and creates a loyal base.

Peritas: Values in Practice

At Peritas, we believe that our values – Curious, Courage, Relentless, and Conscious – are what set us apart in the engineering space.? Here's how they show up in our day-to-day work:

·????? Curiosity Drives Exploration: We're always asking questions – "What if we tried this?" or "Is there a better way?" This deep-seated curiosity fuels our search for more efficient processes and more effective solutions in everything from design to the tech we use.

·????? Courage Allows for Experimentation: Real innovation means being willing to venture into uncharted territory. We embrace calculated risk-taking because we know sometimes the most groundbreaking ideas require us to think differently about conventional approaches.

·????? Relentless Focus on Improvement: Our internal "Design School" sessions exemplify this value. We rigorously analyse past projects – not to find fault but to gain insights we can apply to improve future work and client experiences.

·????? Conscious Innovation: We're acutely aware of our responsibility – to create designs with positive, long-lasting impacts on both communities and the environment. Sustainability and mindful resource use are woven into the fabric of every project.

Our values don't just exist on paper. We actively integrate them into our daily operations.? Each month, we empower our people by providing dedicate time for focused “collaboration sessions” aimed at reimagining our processes, redefining the client journey, and exploring leading technology applications. This dedicated safe space for innovation, ensures that we continue to push beyond convention!

Unlocking Your Innovation Potential

Building a values-driven organisation is a worthwhile investment in your company's future.? Here's where to begin:

·????? Involve Your Team: Don't dictate values; create them collaboratively. When everyone feels ownership of the values they work by, it's much more powerful.

·????? Look Beyond the Buzzwords: Choose words that genuinely resonate with your company's mission and the change you want to create in the world.

·????? Live Your Values: Make sure your values are reflected in everything you do as a company – from hiring to how you recognise achievements.

When values are your guiding star, you'll be amazed at the potential you'll unlock.? Not only will this lead to breakthroughs in your field, but it will also create a more dynamic, fulfilling work environment for your team.