How To Reinforce Core Company Values

Reinforcing core company values is about leading by example and rewarding good behavior. Integrity is key, so it’s also important to get serious about terminating those who violate your company’s code of conduct.

Here are some ways to communicate company culture and core values:

Reward Value-Centric Behaviour 

Be on the lookout for those in your organization who take values and culture seriously, and let them be an example for others.

“There are many ways to recognize and reward values-centric behavior, including spot-bonuses, peer-voting opportunities that give employees the opportunity to nominate co-workers for successfully living the values, and written recognition in newsletters or on the website.” – Inc.com

Rewarding good behavior is the best way to reinforce it and set an example for the rest of the team.

Terminate Violators 

It’s time to get good at firing employees who violate your core values.

Firing an employee, no matter the reason, is never fun. However, letting go of a toxic employee is an essential part of maintaining a good company culture. It can also provide you with a teachable moment when the rest of the team inevitably wonders what went wrong.

“Every employee represents the brand. Every employee is accountable to the values, mission, and vision of the organization” – Inc.com

After you fire someone who has violated company standards, it’s important to have a follow-up conversation with the rest of the team. Morale will always take a dip after you let go of an underperforming worker.

“It can be difficult to find a balance between not saying enough and saying too much – and it’s not much fun either. But with the right approach, you can actually bring your team closer together.” – Insperity

Incorporate Core Values Into Every Aspect Of The Job

Core values, as their name suggests, are values at the core of your company. They should permeate every aspect of the job, no matter how small.

“Show your values off to everyone. Don’t hide them in the corner of your small business. Frame them and hang them on the wall for employees and customers to see. Post them on your website, on your social media pages, and on any other digital front you can.” – Forbes

The hiring process, project planning, team meetings, and even breaktime are all opportunities to enforce company values. Reinforcing your core values throughout the workday and in every part of the job is the best way to establish a world-class work culture!

Appoint A Chief Culture Officer (CCO)

Appoint a Chief Culture Officer (CCO) as a way to show your team you are serious about maintaining company standards.

Depending on the size of your company, the job of the CCO might be full time or part-time. Here are some of the qualities you should be looking for:

• empathetic
• compassionate
• committed to excellence
• good at communicating
• honest
• accountable

A good CCO is also a good leader. They should be able to mitigate conflict as well as foresee things that might pose a threat to culture. Choose an individual who really ‘gets’ what your company is about.

Culture is driven by core values. “Read any management how-to, and it will talk about the sanctity of a company’s culture.” – Fortune

The most important part of reinforcing core values is accountability. As a good leader, you have to hold your team up and inspire them to reach for the best. Every time you show your staff you’re serious about maintaining standards, you pave the way for them to follow suit!

If you have questions or would like more information, I’d be happy to help. Please send an email, and my team will get in touch with you!