Are values aspirational ?

Aspart of the global research into culture, I interviewed the HR manager of afood manufacturing and distribution company. As part of the discussion welooked at values.

We addressed the importance of values. In this regard she commented “Values are obviously aspirational, because we're not perfect, we are human, and we all make mistakes”.

Ithought that was an interesting take on values. But the concept of values beingaspirational provides a different take on values.  The interview continued with the idea that ifa management team are having trouble deciding then they should test theirdecision against the values of the organization and in most cases the answerwill become obvious.

Thiscompany does not have a defined set of values or a purpose statement whichprovides a challenge when looking at decision points. This company has had aperiod of long tenure of management. This is changing as the CEO and General Managerare relatively new in the organization. It is busy shifting from 1960’smanagement styles to 21^st century management.

The conversation shifted to the culture of the future in the organization.

“Iwould want to see a culture where ... I think respect is the big word. Thatthere's respect for everybody we do things the best that we can, but weactually value the the person who's sweeping the floor  just as much as the CEO”.  I would like the culture to be is one of allinclusivity where all contributions are valued – from the janitor to the CEO.

Howdo you see your values ?  

Doesyour organization have an all inclusive set of values ?

Rael Bricker is a speaker, consultant and mentor on achieving BUSINESS EXCELLENCE. These encompass presentations, workshops and consulting on business excellence, culture, ethics, inspiration, simplifying systems and harnessing growth potential. 

Rael hasconducted unprecedented GLOBAL research into CULTURE by interviewing 70+companies in more than 25 countries.

If youwould like more information, please contact Rael on rael@raelbricker.comor +61408600330