By Nat Crawford
In one of our seminars we focus on the importance of defining your values - both personal and organizational. This is so important because it lays the foundation for what you will and will not stand for.
Your values are lines in the sand. Some people push back on identifying their values because they feel restricted. We find a train is the best example to understanding the importance of specific values. Think of a train and its train tracks. Do you believe a train is freed or restricted by its train tracks. Without hesitation our attendees will answer "restricted." What happens when a train goes of its tracks? It becomes derailed and stuck. It is when the train is on its train tracks that it can go wherever the tracks lead. It is freed. That's what clearly defined values does.
You say "Great. I'm freed by defining values. What's the real pay off?" Let us offer two examples. First is a personal example. In April of 2012 an attendee of our training identified a false dichotomy in herself. She was a smoker for many years and realized she could no longer be a smoker. She would tell her children "Smoking is bad." However she would smoke. This was a violation of character and authenticity. She left our training a non-smoker and remains so today.
Second, is JetBlue. JetBlue started flying commercially in 2010. Since their inception they have received countless awards. For the past 8 years they have received J.D. Power & Associates highest customer satisfaction rating in low-cost carriers. Not only that, but for the past 8 years their revenue has increased on an average of 20%. They do this consistently because they have laid out their 5 core values: Safety, Caring, Integrity, Fun, and Passion. They know why these are important and how to live them out at JetBlue.
If you haven't taken time to identify your personal values or the values of your organization, do so. A word of advice, keep them authentic, meaningful, and simple.
If you are interested in attending one of our values based trainings, sign up for our upcoming course July 9-11, 2013 in Lincoln, NE. Labels: authenticity, core, cornerstone leadership solutions, culture, j.d. power & associates, jetblue, organizational, personal, quit smoking, values
