Values form the foundation for a business and help to create the culture of the business. If behavior is not consistent with values, employee engagement will likely decline, and turnover may increase.
Susan reminds us to take the time to look around and check for matches between behavior and the values we talk about. Are they the same? Here's a good exercise to think about:
1. Make a list of your organization values (bet you have a web site where you can find them).
2. Make a list of what you value.
3. Make a list of everything you have done (look at your agenda) for the last 3 days.
4. Is there a match between your activity and the values of the organization... or even your own values?
If someone looked at your list of activities, what would they say are your values?
If you are concerned about people aligning with your organizaiton strategy, goals. etc. then do repeat this exercise with a few people around you. Alignment begins with people doing things that match the things we ask people to care about. When they don't match then words lose their value.