Managing Through our Values is Good Business

Although I have previously written on this topic several times, I feel compelled to continue to expand it. Perhaps it's because we continue to see an increase in results justifying the means, whether it be with our governmental system, within our organizations, or in our personal lives.

Previously, I have focused on the spiritual, the moral/ethical arena, and even the noble or fun side. As I've pondered this more and more, however, I've come to the conclusion that msking our values paramount is simply good business.

I especially appreciate a good quote, one that is succinct, to the point, and quietly profound. Yesterday this one popped up out of nowhere while I was doing some methodology research; "It is through values that people respond" (Barry Doublestein). Most of us would accept the importance of two areas in our organizations where consensus for importance rests: our people, and how we communicate with them. How can we do any better than to inspire our folks to thought, discussion, & action?

Values are what people live and die for; they excite, They motivate. Those of us "burdened with a few miles" have seen what an enthusiastic, motivated work force can accomplish. They will constructively question, work for the common goal, and go well beyond the norm to do what's right BECAUSE IT'S RIGHT.

Values also INVOLVE people. Through interaction, a team atmosphere is created where each is driven to understand why they do what they do. I was fortunate enough to have been given the reins to run Visual Systems, a nice mid-sized company, for 5 years. Largely through value orientation, we were able to attain record growth AND record profit while doing what was right for our customers as well as associates. They were incredible people who understood and embraced the values of our owners.

A corollary quote is: "The function & duty of a quality human being is the sincere & honest development of one's potential" (Bruce Lee). If we lead employees to respond, interact, and do what's right, we will develop not only them, but our organizations. No laziness; no shortcuts here. Striving harder to excel becomes fun, and the norm. This is how everyone wins.

How can this not be good business?