BD Consulting
In times full of complexity and constant change, values help to give us stability and a sense of direction. After all, values are able to outlast changes in the market, modified strategies and management trends. They provide us with a reliable evaluation benchmark that we can use when considering decision alternatives. A value-based corporate and management culture provides the active individuals within a company with a reliable framework for business activities that offers them plenty of scope for creativity and enables them to make decisions that are oriented towards the big picture.
So what exactly is a value?
In general linguistic use, the term "value" is used to refer to a belief or a quality that is important and desirable to the members of a community. Values are our inner compass. They provide us with orientation and create meaning and identity. In a corporate sense, values have an impact on how employees think and act and therefore directly influence the success of a company. Some key examples of corporate values include respect, appreciation, responsibility, success and tradition.
If we disregard the corporate values postulated in company brochures, the active individuals within a company are rarely aware of their company's practised values. Although the open communication of these values is even rarer, they still manage to release their power behind the scenes, so to speak. Think about all of the unwritten rules and the unspoken dos and don'ts of an organisation, for example. All of these actually embody the prevailing values of the company in question.
Although values are less manifest as a fundamental element of corporate culture than factors such as expenses or turnover, they can nevertheless be gathered, described and developed. My work on corporate values predominantly uses the 9 Levels value analysis system, which is based on the value model developed by Prof. Clare W. Graves (1914 - 1986), a former Professor of Psychology at Union College in New York. The further development and operationalisation of this model facilitates the identification and development of the values of a person, group or company that are currently important.
The exemplary role played by managers as a foundation for value-based management
Values practised within a company or organisation have been proven to increase the motivation and loyalty of employees and, in doing so, to reduce fluctuation. They therefore influence factors that have a direct impact on operating results. Against this background, it is extremely important that management culture is oriented towards clear values. After all, given the fact that managers are expected to lead by example, it is essential that they also actively pursue the values postulated. Value-based management is required in order to breathe life into values. It needs to exemplify, firmly anchor and, where applicable, also assert a company's values whilst taking an approach that not only supports these values, but is also careful not to undermine them.
You may now be asking yourself: as a manager, how can I practice the values that are outlined in my company's policy or are important to me in my day-to-day management activities? One of the first steps involved in answering this question may be realising that management is always personal. After all, as a former CEO of a company listed in the German Stock Index (DAX) once said, "people work for people". In order to get people on your side, you have to identify the person behind the function and understand the motivation that derives from their values. It is therefore important to transparently present your values as a manager and to discuss these values with your team. Even if your company does not have any defined corporate values, it still makes sense to explore and examine your own values and those of your team.
When it comes to establishing a management and corporate culture in which values are not only clearly described, but also actively practised, I can help you to create this positive spiritual environment for you and your staff.
Values can help you – and your team
Do you want to make progress on a personal level? Do you want to provide new ideas and incentives as a manager? Do you want to know what's stopping your strategies from being implemented or achieving success? If so, it's definitely worth taking a look at your corporate culture. I can help you to further develop yourself as a manager and to take the right measures and create the right processes for your team in order to release the energy that both you and your staff have to offer. My consulting, training and coaching services aim to establish a value-based corporate culture that is characterised by mutual trust and respect. Both of these values have been proven to contribute towards increased corporate success. By taking this approach, you can revitalise your corporate culture and lead your team or company to long-term success.
On my website I try to use gender-neutral terms. If not, this is for only one reason: to improve readability of the text.