Before going into the subject of values in greater depth, I'd like to clarify the definition of a value. According to Larousse: That which is posited as true, beautiful, good, from a personal point of view or according to the criteria of a society, and which is given as an ideal to be attained, as something to be defended. Some values may be considered negative because of their consequences, or because of the way they are perceived by society. Values are often subjective, and can be perceived differently in different cultural, social and individual contexts. What is valued in one culture or organization may be frowned upon in another. So I suggest we start from the premise that in this article we're talking about values that are considered positive and that encourage ethical, respectful and constructive behavior.
What are my values?
I invite you to try this experiment: from a list of around 150 to 200 values that resonate with you, try to choose 5 that you consider absolutely non-negotiable. You'll have to go by process of elimination, and it'll probably be hard work. Once you've succeeded, you'll probably be able to link your professional or personal decisions to one or more of these 5 values.
Impact of values
Meaning
Employee motivation and commitment are closely linked to their personal and professional values. When these values are in harmony with those of the company, employees are more motivated, satisfied and committed. They find meaning and purpose in their work, which increases their productivity and fulfillment. On the other hand, a misalignment between personal and organizational values can lead to stress, dissatisfaction and high turnover. For example, an employee who values innovation and creativity may be extremely dissatisfied in a company where conformity and rigidity are valued. Even if the position is attractive in terms of salary and responsibilities.
Cohesion and commitment
Values provide guidance and direction. In the workplace, they help determine what's important and what's a priority, facilitating decision-making that's aligned with our principles, those of our colleagues and those of the company as a whole. A strong corporate culture, based on shared values, fosters a working environment where everyone feels respected and understood. This creates a sense of unity and cohesion within the team, boosting employee commitment and effectiveness.
Candidate magnet
A company with clear, well-communicated values attracts talent aligned with these principles, contributing to a more cohesive and committed team. A work environment that values honesty, accountability and excellence motivates employees to give their best and work effectively.
Organizational compass
Values are also essential to maintaining ethical conduct and integrity. They act as a frame of reference for assessing what is fair and acceptable, reinforcing consistency, trust and credibility within the team and with external stakeholders. Ethical conduct based on solid values is essential for building trusting relationships with customers, partners and employees. And let's not forget the leader's values, which play a crucial role in shaping culture, decision-making and employee commitment.
In times of crisis or change, values play a stabilizing role. They provide a stable anchor and a sense of continuity, enabling individuals and organizations to adapt more easily. This resilience is crucial to navigating challenges and maintaining performance in uncertain times.
Starbucks is an excellent example of a company that played a stabilizing role during the COVID-19 crisis. By prioritizing health and safety, supporting its employees financially, innovating to meet new demands, and communicating transparently, Starbucks succeeded in maintaining the company's stability and resilience while building trust and loyalty among its employees and customers.
Conversely, insincere values affect trust, cohesion, resilience and overall organizational performance. To maintain a stable and productive work environment, even in turbulent times, it's up to managers to truly embody the values they advocate.
Finally, values influence the quality of relationships and communication at work. Values such as respect, empathy and transparency foster positive, constructive interactions between colleagues, improving collaboration and conflict resolution. They also shape the company's reputation and brand image.
Here are a few examples of organizational and individual values in action:
La Coop Fédérée (Sollio Groupe Coopératif)
Its values include community involvement.
This translates into the financing of rural development projects and community initiatives, thus contributing to the vitality of the regions.
Lightspeed
Among its values is innovation.
This translates into the development of advanced technological solutions for the retail and restaurant industries, facilitating the management and growth of small and medium-sized businesses.
Cascades
Among its values is sustainable development.
This translates into the use of recycled materials to reduce its environmental footprint and promote a circular economy.
And on an individual level, we'd like to mention
Véronique Cloutier
Whose values include family, health and education.
Which led her and her husband Louis Morissette to launch the Véro et Louis Foundation to benefit autistic adults.
Kim Thuy
Her values include diversity.
A Canadian of Vietnamese origin, she is involved in initiatives to help newcomers and promote cultural diversity.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Yannick Nézet-Séguin's values include education and inclusion.
This is reflected in his involvement in mentoring programs and masterclasses, and his promotion of diversity and inclusion in classical music.
Conclusion
Alignment between personal and organizational values makes a major contribution to people's well-being at work. When the company's values resonate with those of its employees, they feel understood, respected and motivated, which increases their commitment and satisfaction. To create a harmonious and productive work environment, companies must ensure that their values are genuine and observable through concrete actions, thus fostering a climate of trust and cohesion. They are the foundation on which corporate culture rests, and play a key role in the success and longevity of organizations.
To find out more :
Emotional intelligence: developing it to better interact on a daily basis
