The Importance of Agreeing Values with Your Business Team

In any business, the significance of establishing and agreeing on shared values cannot be overstated, yet it’s often overlooked. These values serve as the foundation upon which the company culture is built, guiding behaviours, decision-making, and interactions within the team and with clients. By embedding agreed-upon values into the fabric of the organisation, business teams can reap numerous benefits, including improved standards, positive behaviours, greater clarity of purpose, team unity, better recruitment and retention, and more effective leadership.

1. Linking to Standards

Agreeing on the right values as a business team directly influences standards. When values such as excellence, integrity, and customer-centricity are collectively embraced, they create a benchmark for the quality of service provided. These values set clear expectations for both frontline and support staff, ensuring consistency in delivering a superior client experience. By aligning daily operations with these standards, the business can build a reputation for continuous excellence, ultimately leading to increased customer satisfaction and team loyalty.

2. Improved Behaviours

Values play a crucial role in shaping behaviours within a business team. When team members share common values, it fosters an environment of mutual respect, cooperation, and accountability. For instance, a value of continuous improvement encourages staff to seek ongoing professional development, stay updated with the latest industry trends, and adopt best practices. Similarly, valuing empathy promotes compassionate interactions with both clients and colleagues, enhancing overall customer experience. By embedding these values into the business, positive behaviours become second nature, creating a culture that nurtures and attracts talented individuals.

3. Greater Clarity of Purpose

Values help provide a clear sense of direction and purpose for the business team. The right values act as a guiding star, helping the team understand the "why" behind their work. For example, a commitment to customer well-being as a core value ensures that every decision, from product development to customer service, is made with the client's best interest in mind. This clarity of purpose not only motivates the team but also helps align their efforts towards common goals. It enables the business to navigate challenges and make strategic decisions that are consistent with its mission and values.

4. Galvanising the Team

Shared values have a powerful unifying effect on a business team. When everyone is aligned with the same principles, it creates a sense of belonging and collective identity. Team members feel more connected to each other and to the organisation as a whole. This unity fosters collaboration, as individuals are more likely to support each other and work together towards common objectives. It also enhances morale, as employees feel part of something larger than themselves. By galvanising the team around shared values, the business can build a cohesive, motivated, and high-performing team.

5. Improving the Recruitment Process

Agreed values are invaluable in attracting the right candidates during the recruitment process. Clearly communicated values help potential hires understand what the company stands for and whether they align with its culture. This alignment is crucial for ensuring a good fit between the candidate and the organisation. For instance, if a company values innovation and progressive techniques, it will attract candidates who are forward-thinking and open to adopting new methods. By attracting individuals who share the same values, the business can build a team that is more likely to be engaged, committed, and aligned with its goals.

6. Retaining Great People

Retention of top talent is a critical concern for all businesses, and agreed values play a key role in achieving this. When employees feel that their personal values align with those of the organisation, they are more likely to experience job satisfaction and loyalty. This alignment creates a positive work environment where employees feel valued and understood. Moreover, a strong value-based culture supports professional growth and recognition, further enhancing retention. Companies that prioritise values such as respect, recognition, and professional development are more likely to retain their best people, reducing turnover and the associated costs.

7. Making It Easier for Leaders to Lead

For leaders in a business, agreed values provide a solid framework for decision-making, management, and leadership. These values serve as a reference point for addressing challenges, resolving conflicts, and setting priorities. Leaders can rely on shared values to communicate expectations clearly and to guide their teams effectively. This consistency helps build trust and credibility, as team members know what to expect and can count on their leaders to act in accordance with the established values. Moreover, values-driven leadership fosters an environment of transparency and fairness, making it easier for leaders to inspire and motivate their teams equally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, agreeing on and embedding shared values in a business team is not just a theoretical exercise but a practical necessity that impacts every aspect of the organisation’s operations. From linking to high standards and improving behaviours to providing clarity of purpose and galvanising the team, the benefits are extensive. Agreed values enhance the recruitment process, aid in retaining great people, and facilitate more effective leadership. By prioritising and nurturing these values, a business can create a cohesive, high-performing, and client-centred environment that stands out in the competitive marketplace.

About the Author

Justin Leigh is an award-winning business leader with over twenty-five years’ experience in sales and leadership.

Justin is the bestselling Author of INSPIRE, INFLUENCE, SELL and COACHING LEADERS. He was a finalist in the 2023 National SME Business Awards as business leader of the year.

Justin has trained thousands of sales professionals & leaders throughout his career in amazing companies like 3M, NTT Data, Align Technology, Vitality, Odeon and many more.

If you’d like to know more about agreeing on values for your business team or the leadership programs Justin runs, feel free to connect with Justin or contact him directly here:

https://linktr.ee/JustinLeigh

justinleigh@focus4growth.co.uk