“Culture: The Most Powerful Force In An Organization - Part 2”Lesson Application from Linda Sasser

For our application of John’s lesson this month let’s look at how we can apply the values concept inside of an organization from the employer and employee’s perspective.

The healthiest and most productive employer/employee relationships are those that live out similar values. When this match happens the company prospers because they have an employee who naturally executes on the values the company stands for. The employee benefits because they have employment with a company where they can find fulfillment through their day to day work.

So how do you learn the values of a company or potential employee?

Suggestions for an employee:
Companies usually post their values on a plaque or in a handbook. Those are what I call, stated values. “Stated values” and “lived out values” can sometimes be different. You want to find out what values are lived out by leadership because that represents the true culture. How do you find that out?
Interview the leaders (as they interview you). Ask questions like, what are the values of the company? How are those demonstrated in the work done here?
Share your values and ask how those will fit within the company’s culture.
Engage in a conversation with those