As you continue to refine your organization’s current work culture, whether remote or in-person, don’t forget your organization’s values. Your organization’s values are your organization’s ‘House Rules.’ They define the behaviors that are expected, day in and day out, of everyone who takes a paycheck from your organization or who represents it. If someone doesn’t want to abide by your organization’s values, fine. They are simply choosing to work someplace else.

Your organization’s values define the behaviors that are expected, day in and day out, of everyone who takes a paycheck from your organization or who represents it.

So why is it important to remember the values and marry them to your new work culture?

1. People have different views and perspectives.
2. People are entitled to their varying views on the current pandemic and the mandated and suggested federal guidelines associated with it.
3. People comprise your team.
4. Your team will either support you or not in creating and sustaining the type of work culture you want.
5. Your organization’s values outline your organization’s culture and expected team behaviors.

Your organization’s values outline your organization’s culture and expected team behaviors.

There are few events that have highlighted the varying perspectives of team members quite like the COVID 19 Pandemic. You may be witnessing a broad diversity of opinions across your team from those who believe the entire event is a hoax to those who believe leaving their homes will result in certain death. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to acknowledge and respect both extremes as well as the variations in beliefs that lie between the two. The validity of each individual’s beliefs, to them, are real. They are not for us to judge. Many may have valid anxiety due to personal or family health concerns. Others’ beliefs stem from prior personal or professional experiences. Others yet are simply trying to follow the suggested guidelines, keep themselves and their families healthy, take care of their children and other family members, and earn a living. Your challenge as a leader is to enable all of your team members to feel safe, comfortable, and respected in their workplace – whether remote or in-person. To do that, reference your organization’s values.

If your organization’s values include such behaviors: Respect and value diversity; Honor the perspectives of others; Communicate with trust, respect, and care; Be aware of your impact on others, they’ll help you clarify your expectations of your team members in refining and sustaining your workplace culture. They’ll also help you in clarifying your expectations of team members for following not only the mandatory guidelines but also any suggested guidelines you may be creating to promote safety. So what if a team member doesn’t want to follow a suggested guideline? Ask them if their behavior is in line with your organization’s values. If so, it may be an opportunity for you to learn more or to share information with them. If their behavior is not in line with your organization’s values, are they choosing to work someplace else?

Copyright MMXX – Liz Weber, CMC, CSP – Weber Business Services, LLC – www.WBSLLC.com +1.717.597.8890

Liz supports clients with strategic and succession planning, as well as leadership training and executive coaching. Learn more about Liz on LinkedIn!