In today’s fast-paced, result-oriented world, an organizational culture rooted in values might seem like a luxury. However, as my experiences at NEW, SkySpecs, and EntryPoint have taught me, cultivating such a culture is possible and essential for sustainable success and personal fulfillment.
The Essence of a Values-Driven Culture
Values-driven cultures center a commitment to principles that transcend everyday tasks and objectives. Every decision, interaction, and strategy is built on the foundation of values like trust, accountability, and care.
Trust is the cornerstone of this structure. It’s about believing in each other’s abilities and intentions. Trust creates a sense that everyone is rowing in the same direction, even when the waters are choppy. Accountability follows closely, encompassing a sense of responsibility that extends to the broader impact we create. Lastly, care binds these values together. It ensures our approach to work and relationships is compassionate and empathetic. These are the principles that allow people to come to work as their “most” authentic or empowered selves.
The Influence on Conflict and Transformative Justice
In a values-driven culture, conflict is not something to be avoided, but a moment for growth and learning. At NEW, we view conflict through a lens of transformative justice. The goal is not merely to resolve an issue, but to transform the relationships and structures that led to the conflict. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and a more resilient community. It’s not just who NEW is today, but who we hope to be in the decades to come.
Living These Values in the Real World
As the Director of Business Intelligence at SkySpecs, a startup in the wind industry, we are navigating an evolving technological landscape. The pressure to deliver could be overwhelming. Yet, our values-driven culture helps maintain a sense of balance and purpose. Similarly, as the founder and managing director of EntryPoint, where we focused on fostering inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, our values were instrumental in guiding our strategies and interactions.
In these environments, I’ve seen firsthand the power of a culture that allows people to show up fully at work. This creates space for diverse ideas, enriches our collaborative efforts, and leads to more effective solutions.
The Personal Touch: Juggling Multiple Roles
As a woman balancing multiple professional and personal responsibilities, I’ve felt the pressure to “do it all.” In such situations, being part of an organization that supports and understands these challenges is vital. NEW, SkySpecs, and EntryPoint have all demonstrated how a values-driven culture can provide that support, allowing people to excel. Do I sometimes work until 2 am when I have a big deadline? Yes, sometimes I do. Do I also feel comfortable and supported to cancel everything when a global pandemic hits or my kids have a snow day? Yes, I do.
This culture creates an environment where honest communication about our capacities and needs is encouraged. It acknowledges that we are all juggling various aspects of life, and that this juggling act should not be a solitary struggle. Instead, it’s a shared experience that can be navigated with empathy and support.
NEW’s Role in Modeling a Values-Driven Culture
Through its actions and policies, NEW has consistently modeled what it means to live out a values-driven culture. Their approach to every project, interaction, and decision is a testament to their commitment to these values. It’s not just about what NEW does; it’s about how they do it – with integrity, compassion, and desire to make a positive impact.
Conclusion
Creating and maintaining a values-driven organizational culture is a journey, not a destination. It requires constant nurturing, reflection, and a willingness to adapt and grow. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the transformative power of such a culture. It’s a culture that leads to better business outcomes and a more fulfilling and balanced life for everyone involved.
As we look towards the future, let’s embrace the challenge of building and sustaining these values-driven cultures. Let’s remember that an organization’s strength lies not just in its products or services, but in the values that guide its people. In doing so, we can create workplaces and communities that are successful, and also compassionate, inclusive, and transformative.
