When it comes to your company’s values, are you a believer, a denier, or an atheist? Steve Pickering, the ‘unorthodox’ CEO of fast-growing South East independent bed retail chain Sussex Beds, falls firmly into the first category …
Company values act as a cultural foundation, defining the principles and behaviours that guide the organisation. They serve as a compass, helping your team understand what is expected of them and what the company stands for.
I am a firm believer, verging on an obsessive advocate. Our values are firmly integrated into our recruitment process, performance review process, and, when necessary, our disciplinary process. They shape and influence our decisions and underpin our rules of the game.
The truth is, every company has both values and a culture, whether you have identified, documented, or published them or not – they will exist. The issue is, are they the values you and your leadership team want people aligning with? If you haven’t actively identified, documented or published the values, then your people may start creating their own, and some of these may be toxic or unwanted.
As a small, close business, the values remain in your direct control. Your values are you, the founders, and the close team around you. As you grow and your teams expand, you need to ensure the true values remain in place.
If you haven’t identified your values, or it’s time for a review, I would recommend Traction by Gino Wickman. Turn to p35 – this provides you with a step-by-step guide on how to identify and document your values. It is easy and good fun.
Remember, they are your values, it’s your culture. And beware, it’s not just your team that needs to work by your values – it’s you too.
So, what are you – a believer, a denier, or an atheist? How do you use values in your organisation?
Discover more of Steve’s thoughts on his blog.
