LEADERSHIP STRATEGY: GET FULL VALUE FROM CORPORATE VALUES
being values driven drives performance
“It’s the right thing to do.” Most organizations have their values posted prominently on boardroom walls, websites, and in annual reports. Unfortunately, too many CEOs consider the “values thing” complete once PR professionals wordsmith an attractive centerpiece for the corporate table. Unfortunately, just like a table centerpiece at home, values are often cleared away when the table’s utilitarian purpose is in use.
by LSI publisher Art McNeil
When my first book became a best-seller, a plethora of Fortune list CEOs engaged me to help clarify their corporate values. My process was visceral—not a typical senior team information transfer. Initially, the process didn’t appeal to everybody. For example, in the late 80s, Black and Decker staff executives interrogated me the night before I was commissioned to lead their CEO and international presidents through a values clarification initiative.
Nervous B&D “gate keepers” proposed a last minute change to the session’s interactive design. “It’s inappropriate for our senior team—restrict yourself to talking about corporate values.” I refused their directive and identified that they would have to replace me. It was late at night and there were no alternatives, so they reluctantly conceded—warning that the session would end at the first sign of discontent.
After spending countless months and thousands of dollars trying to wordsmith a document capable of honoring their heritage and accommodating a diverse group of international presidents, Black and Decker clarified a set of corporate values that received the unanimous endorsement of every country in the room—and they accomplished it in three hours. Chairman Nolan Archibald’s closing remarks indicated that he was moved by the experience. They approved a roll out plan that within three months had Black and Decker employees on every continent engaged in living the corporate values—not just talking about them. The following quote from Black and Decker Heritage Stories, suggests that their culture remains strong.
Brian Schaadt
Product Manager – Kitchen
Price Pfister
Lake Forest, CA
I have been working with Black & Decker for over 10 years now. What I enjoy most about working for Black & Decker is all of the people I have worked with over the years. Many of the people I started with in 1999 are still with the company today. This is amazing considering the turnover rate at most companies. It definitely says something about Black & Decker and the winning culture that we embody.
For more, search the values related postings from this blog BUT to get full value from your corporate values, follow the process used by B&D and hundreds of organizations around the world. It is documented in the updated rewrite of the #1 bestseller, The “I” of the Hurricane: How to Generate and Focus Corporate Energy. ( In E-bookstores everywhere.