Will You and Your Employees Walk the Talk

Have your actionsbeen matching your words? Have the employeesin your organization beengetting their workcompleted in the waysits desired values are written? If your answer is "no" to either of these questions, you andyour organization are most likely experiencing performanceissues and not reachingan optimal potential.

Since values demonstrate "how" you do what you do, your daily decisions and actions portrayyour ways of being and doing.Values shape behaviors andhelp to ensure your vision comes to fruition with the most effective and efficientapproaches. They answer the questions, "How do we get our work done around here?", or "How do Ibuild a relationship with someone?", or "How do we function as a team or family?".

Examples of Values

Accountability and Empowerment

Collaboration and Teamwork

Communication and Negotiation

Customer Service

Flexibility and Open-mindfulness

Fun and Laughter

Kindness and Respect

Self-awareness and Self-direction

Personal and ProfessionalDevelopment

Quality of Outcomes

To determine your desired values, ask yourself, "What competencies and traits do I want my employees or my own character to demonstrate?". Next, list the specific behaviors that will be observed and measured according to your desired competencies and traits. Finally, you must walk the talk and make your actions match your words.Whenyou decide tolive and work according to your desiredvalues,your responses and activities will be more effective and efficient, which will bring you greater fulfillment and less stress.You willbegin making daily decisionsthat mirror your values. You will make your vision and desired outcomes come true.

Remember, it's never too late to get happy!

Nancy Stampahar is a sought-after organizational development consultant, trainer, and speaker, with a degree in human resource management, and the author of peace, love and lemonade: a recipe to make your life sweeter, Stampahar owns and directs Silver Lining Solutions, a consulting firm that specializes in adversity/change management, assertiveness/conflict resolution, empowerment, leadership, and team building. Visit: http://www.silverliningsolutions.com