Last updated on Jul 27, 2024

Your team's actions go against your workplace values. How will you align them with your core beliefs?

Discovering that your team's actions are not in line with your workplace values can be a challenging realization. As someone who cares deeply about maintaining a healthy and principled work environment, it's crucial to address this misalignment. Culture change is not an overnight task; it requires patience, communication, and a strategic approach. By engaging with your team constructively, you can steer behaviors towards a culture that reflects your core beliefs. This article will guide you through practical steps to realign your team's actions with the values that are the bedrock of your organization.

1 Assess Values

Before you can align your team's actions with your workplace values, it's important to assess and clearly define what those values are. Sometimes, a disconnect arises simply because values are not communicated effectively or understood by all members. Take the time to revisit your company's mission statement and core values. Ensure they are not just buzzwords but actionable principles that can guide behavior. Once you have a firm grasp on these values, you can begin to identify where and how your team's actions diverge.

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2 Open Dialogue

Initiating an open dialogue is a critical step towards realigning your team with the workplace values. Create a safe space where team members can express their thoughts and concerns without fear of retribution. This conversation should be an opportunity to explore the reasons behind the misalignment and to understand the perspectives of your team members. Encourage honesty and be prepared to listen actively. Understanding their viewpoint will provide valuable insights and help in developing a collaborative approach to realign actions with values.

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Thomas Belker

Unternehmensführung | Bestseller Autor I Speaker I Podcaster
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Zu Beginn des Dialogs könnte es hilfreich sein, möglichst werte orientiertes Handeln an Beispielen außerhalb des eigenen Unternehmens zu diskutieren. Um dann nach Definition der Werte über die Anwendung anhand von eigenen Unternehmensbeispielen zu diskutieren. Dann kommt niemand direkt zu Beginn in eine Verteidigungshaltung.

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3 Lead by Example

The most effective way to inspire change is to lead by example. Demonstrate the behaviors that align with your workplace values in your daily actions. If respect and teamwork are core values, show respect in your interactions and collaborate with others. Your team will notice and often mirror the conduct they observe in their leadership. Remember, change starts at the top, and your actions set the tone for the entire team.

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Thomas Belker

Unternehmensführung | Bestseller Autor I Speaker I Podcaster
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Wichtig ist, über eigene Veränderungen im Denken und Handeln zu berichten. Und auch über den Anlass bei dem die Änderung eingetreten ist. Das erhöht die Akzeptanz.

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4 Educate and Train

Sometimes, misalignment occurs due to a lack of understanding or skills necessary to embody the desired values. Address this by providing education and training to your team. Workshops, seminars, or even informal discussions can help bridge the gap. Tailor these educational initiatives to reinforce the specific values that need attention, and ensure that they are interactive and engaging so that your team can fully grasp the importance of these principles.

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Thomas Belker

Unternehmensführung | Bestseller Autor I Speaker I Podcaster
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Wissenschaftliche Aussagen zum konkreten Thema oder Beispiele von anderen Unternehmen erhöhen das Wissen und die Möglichkeiten Anschluss zu finden.

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5 Reinforce Positively

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool when it comes to shaping behavior. Acknowledge and reward actions that exemplify your workplace values. Whether it's through recognition programs, incentives, or simple verbal affirmation, reinforcing positive behavior encourages repetition of those actions. It also sends a clear message about what is valued within the organization. Make sure the rewards are meaningful and aligned with the values you're promoting.

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6 Adjust Policies

Lastly, if there's a persistent misalignment between actions and values, it may be time to review and adjust your policies and procedures. These should reflect the core values of your workplace and provide a clear framework for the expected behavior. If existing policies are enabling or not discouraging actions that go against your values, it's essential to update them. Policies serve as a guide for decision-making and behavior; ensure they are in harmony with your cultural goals.

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Thomas Belker

Unternehmensführung | Bestseller Autor I Speaker I Podcaster
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Richtlinien nie alleine sondern immer mit (einigen) Mitarbeitern zusammen neue formulieren. Dann kommen sie “von unten” und das erhöht Akzeptanz.

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Your team's actions go against your workplace values. How will you align them with your core beliefs?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess Values

2 Open Dialogue

3 Lead by Example

4 Educate and Train

5 Reinforce Positively

6 Adjust Policies

Culture Change

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Your team's actions go against your workplace values. How will you align them with your core beliefs?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess Values

2 Open Dialogue

3 Lead by Example

4 Educate and Train

5 Reinforce Positively

6 Adjust Policies

Culture Change

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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