MODERN LEADERSHIP
included), reward systems based
on living the values through peer
nominations, and the executive
team revisiting the values regularly.
A general manager also instituted
the “Champions League”
recognition system, to make the
value of teamwork more tangible
and to ensure people in support
functions were recognised as
much as the salesforce for toplevel results. The system involved
peer-nominated awards for people
in non-managerial roles who
had demonstrated outstanding
customer focus. Winners were
awarded at a gala celebrating the
company’s 50-year anniversary
in Australia, where 250 people
gave them a standing ovation for
exemplifying the shared values.
I also discovered how alive the
company values are in their culture
when I interviewed thirteen people
after they had won the Best of the
46 ModernBusiness
July 2016
Best award. In each interview, I
casually slipped in the question,
“What are your organisational
values?” Twelve of them could
name all four values instantly, and
one of them remembered three
out of four. I then asked how they
applied these values - all clearly
explained how the values applied to
behavioural standards, performance
reviews, informal recognition,
hiring, decision-making and so
on. Now that is making company
values conscious and alive in the
organisation.
Leading from values is about so
much more than boosting bottom
line. It’s about creating a culture of
wholeness and wellness. It’s about
bringing out the best in ourselves
and others. It’s about being true to
ourselves. If your organisational
values aren’t shaping your company
in a significant way, take some time
to revisit them. Remember - less
is more, and each value should be
attached to clear behaviours, along
with shared stories that bring those
values to life. Take the time to get
this right; you and those you lead
will be glad you did.
Michael Bunting is the bestselling
author of The Mindful Leader and A
Practical Guide to Meditation, and
co-author of Extraordinary Leadership
in Australia and New Zealand. He runs
leadership consultancy WorkSmart
Australia, a certified B-Corp. For more
information, visit www.mindfulleader.net