The Secret Sauce to a Happy Workplace

I recently attended a meeting at my church. Church meetings are usually as exciting as watching paint dry, but this one was different. We had a big decision to make, and boy, did the congregation show up with opinions. Folks were waving their hands in the air like they just didn’t care, and others looked ready to stage a protest. Each side made valuable points. The motion to make the acquisition carried, and you know what happened next? Nothing. Nada. Zip. Everyone went back to their business. No one stormed off, no one muttered under their breath, and nobody started a secret church rebellion.

Work offices should be the same way. I am lucky enough to work in a place where we discuss issues openly in our weekly senior management meetings. The goal is to get a solution, not to see who can throw the best tantrum.

But, oh, let me tell you, I haven’t always been so blessed. Earlier in my career, I worked at a higher education institution where grudges were handed out like free samples at Costco. Disagree with someone? Congratulations, you’ve earned a nemesis for life! If people liked you, they stabbed you in the front. ?If they didn’t, good luck with the knives in your back.

The difference between these two experiences? Core values. And I’m not talking about those cheesy motivational posters you see in break rooms. I mean real, honest-to-goodness values that everyone lives by.

Core values are the foundation of any organization. They’re like the rules of a board game. Without them, people start flipping the board and accusing each other of cheating. When values are clear and enforced, they create a positive and productive work environment where everyone knows the game and how to play it.

Imagine a workplace where honesty is a core value. In such a place, employees feel safe to voice their opinions and concerns without fear of retribution. They know that their honesty will be respected and valued. This openness leads to better communication and collaboration. Plus, it makes the weekly meetings a lot more interesting.

Now, let’s talk about what happens without core values. Picture a workplace that’s a free-for-all, like the Wild West, but with fewer cowboy hats and more passive-aggressive emails. People hold grudges, gossip runs rampant, and backstabbing is an Olympic sport. Productivity and morale hit rock bottom because everyone’s too busy navigating office politics to do their jobs.

Enforcing core values isn’t about hanging up posters or sending out emails with inspirational quotes. It takes consistent action from leadership. Leaders have to walk the walk and talk the talk. They must hold themselves and others accountable to these standards, even if it means occasionally playing the bad cop.

Leaders who live the values set a powerful example for everyone else. They show that the values aren’t just words on a page but principles that guide every aspect of the organization. This consistency builds trust and respect among employees. Trust me; a little trust goes a long way when sharing an office microwave.

?Respect is a core value. Employees treat each other with courtesy and consideration in a workplace where respect is enforced. They listen to each other and value different perspectives. This respectful environment fosters teamwork and innovation. It also means fewer awkward elevator rides where you avoid eye contact with half the office.

Core values also provide a framework for decision-making. Employees can refer to the values to guide their actions when faced with a tough choice. This clarity helps to avoid confusion and inconsistency. It ensures that decisions are aligned with the company’s mission and vision. And it means fewer midnight panic attacks about whether you made the right call.

For example, if integrity is a core value, employees will be guided to make ethical choices even when faced with pressure or temptation. They’ll prioritize doing the right thing, overtaking shortcuts, or compromising their principles.

In a workplace without clear values, decision-making can become arbitrary and inconsistent. Employees might make decisions based on personal preferences or short-term gains. This lack of direction can lead to poor outcomes and damage the company’s reputation faster than you can say, “public relations nightmare.”

Enforcing core values also helps attract and retain the right people. When a company is clear about its values, it attracts individuals who share those principles. These employees are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. They’re motivated by purpose and alignment with the company’s mission. They’re less likely to use the last coffee without making a new pot.

Core values are essential for creating a positive and productive workplace culture. They guide the actions and decisions of everyone in the organization. When enforced consistently, they foster trust, respect, and collaboration. They provide a framework for decision-making and help attract and retain the right people.

So, whether you’re in a church meeting or a business meeting, remember the power of core values. They’re the secret sauce to a happy and successful organization. And who doesn’t love a good secret sauce? Elizabeth Schenk James Goulka James Young