Core Values Callouts Bring Your Team Together
Core values are the backbone of your company culture.
At least, they should be.
But in my experience, entrepreneurs often have gaps when it comes to living their core values.
Yes, they incorporate them into their hiring process. They evaluate employee performance against core values, and promote or terminate accordingly.
But still, the core values aren’t fully integrated across the team.
The gap is recognition: and it simultaneously reinforces core values while engaging your team.
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If you aren’t familiar (or aren’t using it), let me introduce you to a simple tool called Core Values Callouts.
The tool is simple: during a designated meeting (like a State of the Company address or even a weekly departmental call), include a few minutes to recognize team members based on their alignment to your core values.
The script is brief: “I want to call out [name] for [the relevant core value].” Maybe add 1-2 sentences about why they live that value. Short and sweet.
Everyone in the meeting is invited to participate. You want to get to a place where managers acknowledge direct reports, colleagues compliment each other, and direct reports even shout out their bosses.
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Core Values Callouts are one of those rare things in business that are actually as easy as they sound. And they work. Here’s why:
- Hearing your own name is the sweetest sound in the world. Recognizing an individual’s contributions (by name) in front of a group just makes people feel good.
- You’re reinforcing your core values over and over and over. By demonstrating their importance publicly, you help align your team members behind them.
- Core Values Callouts portray your values in a positive light. They’re more than performance tools, they’re qualities that, when embodied, should create an engaging, fulfilling work environment.
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The one caveat about Core Values Callouts: they can be a little awkward when you first start out. Don’t worry if your team doesn’t jump in right away. With repetition, they’ll get the hang of this exercise. Make sure you lead the way by giving a few callouts of your own.
Core values are crucial to building a great team. If you need help with yours, our team is here to help. Reply to this email or connect with us.
