We use a great exercise in one our training programs in which participants select and then rank their own values. The ranking process is the part I like the most. I have found that it is the HIERARCHY of values which is the strongest determinant of an individuals behaviour, and that of an organisation. Most of us will agree that we hold a set of principles to be important, that we value integrity, and accountability, team freedom and respect for others.
Have you ever played Rubik’s cube or any magic cube? They seem to have made a comeback with more complicated arrangements and sizes. I remember trying to solve the puzzle when I was a kid and only being able to do so after a friend of mine showed me the trick. All I had to do was to understand the core movement required and the rest became easy. In no time, I could rebuild the cube.
I am constantly talking to clients about the power changing a few key symbols can have in building momentum for culture change. Symbols reflect those small decisions that on their own don’t seem significant but in the context of how your organisation operates send a big message.
None of us feel we have enough time. It’s a finite resource, and it forces us to make choices. Those choices send signals about what we really value. One of the strongest symbols of a culture is how time is spent. When people see this changing, they start to believe your communication about values.
On February 27th Walking the Talk in Brazil hosted a breakfast session with Walking the Talk co-founder and Executive Chair Carolyn Taylor, which triggered some great insights in the group.
Check out the ten topics that summed up the core of our conversation.
