Company values are extremely important, and in order for them to be portrayed to your audience, they have to start internally. In order to properly communicate your values, you must first create a company culture that truly embodies said values. Essentially, your company culture should unite around a central cause/purpose. Usually, this is your mission, vision, purpose, and the goals of the organization.
Although it sounds simple, building your ideal company culture can be very difficult. We’ve put together some steps to help you get started on building a strong company culture, that truly reflects and represents your brand and your values.
Understand your values
To be able to create a culture driven by your values, you must first define and understand what those values are. Most of the time, your business values should mirror your personal values. Once they are defined, share them. Share them with your employees, your customers and any other stakeholder that will add value to your company culture. Ideally, you want every stakeholder to understand your values in the same way you do.
Follow your values
This is very important. Values mean nothing if you don’t follow them. Don’t define a core value that you know you will not be able to uphold; this will cause more damage than good. It’s best to lead by example, so by following your values, employees and stakeholders will also take suit.
Root your values in your business
When making decisions for your business, think back to your values. Ensure that the decisions you make align with your values and make sense for your company. This includes hiring decisions. Hire employees that share the same or similar values to your business in order to continue to create a team that is on the same page and working toward shared goals.
Communicate with employees
It’s important to continuously communicate your values to your employees. As time progresses, personal and business values can change and grow. By constantly communicating your values to employees, you will be able to remain on the same page and grow in unison.
Connect roles to purpose
Each role should have a connection to the purpose and values of the business. When employees are able to see and understand the results of their efforts, they will be more engaged with what they’re doing and the results. Employees that feel the work they’re doing provides value to the company will also be happier more satisfied with their work.
Your company culture is important and deserves the same effort that you provide to other aspects of your business. If your values are not represented throughout your company, it is very difficult to claim them as your actual values. By creating a culture representative of your values, your company will be viewed as more trustworthy and transparent.
