Now there\u2019s an interesting question; we could be all over the map on this one so let\u2019s concentrate on just a few key points.\u00a0 I assume you want to keep your good employees, retain\u00a0your best customers and vendors, and have the support and blessings of the community in which you operate.\u00a0 You probably don\u2019t want to become a public spectacle, get dragged through the press, or generally have too high a profile.\u00a0 And you definitely don\u2019t want your organization to violate the law, be fined, or be held criminally liable for any wrong-doing, perceived or real.\u00a0 Becoming another Enron, World Com, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, would not be in your best interests, no matter how big or small you are.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s where values come in, and I\u2019m not talking just principles.\u00a0 After all, they say there is even honor (a principle) among thieves.\u00a0 I know more than a few people who would point a big finger at the entire financial sector of the US economy when they make the honor point and talk about the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s.<\/p>\n
No, we\u2019re talking real values, character, integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, treating people with dignity and respect, and providing for the safety and security of your people and your community.\u00a0 And let\u2019s steer clear of moral and ethical relativism, or situational ethics, shall we?\u00a0 It\u2019s either ethical or it\u2019s not, it\u2019s either moral or immoral, it\u2019s either right or it\u2019s wrong, even if no one is looking.\u00a0 To develop a reputation for integrity, your organization must have absolute clarity regarding the values under which it operates.\u00a0 And those values must apply to everyone in the organization (walk your own talk, right?).<\/p>\n
If you as an organization want to keep the important people on your side; your customers, team members, and community, then you had better let highest values and standards of business practice drive every decision you make and action you take.\u00a0 If you slip up even one time, you lose the trust and confidence of all those who held you in highest regard.\u00a0 One abhorrent misdeed can destroy 100 years of integrity.\u00a0 Regardless of your reputation people and groups do not easily forgive, so you don\u2019t even want to be\u00a0in the position of asking it.<\/p>\n
But let\u2019s take an internal point of view for a moment by looking back at personal performance.\u00a0 Remember, performance is personal before it is organizational.\u00a0 You want not only the bodies and minds of your people, but their hearts and souls as well.\u00a0 They need to be\u00a0fully engaged in their work to perform at their best.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t set the highest standards, and make sure your organization\u2019s values inspire your people, you can\u2019t expect personal best performance and your organizational performance will suffer.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s the point: when defining a firm foundation for your organization, make sure the values you espouse are impeccable, and reflected in every decision you make and action you take.\u00a0 Your people will be inspired\u00a0by and align with your values, and help you avoid fallout from ill-informed decisions and actions.\u00a0\u00a0 The business world is tough and you will be tempted, but remember; over the long haul the snakes in the grass may bite, but they eventually get stepped on.\u00a0 Become a values-focused organization and watch what it does for customer, vendor, community, and employee relationships.\u00a0 You won\u2019t regret it.<\/p>\n
Next up, why should your organization be purpose driven?\u00a0 Rick Warren\u2019s The Purpose Driven Church<\/span> and The Purpose Driven Life<\/span> may hold some lessons for the business world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Now there\u2019s an interesting question; we could be all over the map on this one so let\u2019s concentrate on just a few key points.\u00a0 I assume you want to keep your good employees, retain\u00a0your best customers and vendors, and have the support and blessings of the community in which you operate.\u00a0 You probably don\u2019t want … Continue reading Why Should Your Organization Be Values Focused?<\/span>