(9/12/2022)
Too often, core values of an organization only exist on paper. A true values-based environment helps connect associates and establishes a purpose behind the work they do.
Core values should be apparent in all aspects of your healthcare organization, from daily interactions to business strategies. Moral standards set the framework for everything your organization does and align the team with the same goals and direction. While every workplace is guided by different values, common practices can help embed your organization’s values in day-to-day work.
Lead by example
By weaving core values into daily interactions, leaders demonstrate the behaviors they want to see in their associates. Having conversations with individual associates and guiding them to act with group values in mind helps to hold the team accountable. If associates are not acting in ways that align with your organization’s ideals, they may not be a good fit for the organization. When leaders promote value-driven work, it reaches the entire organization, one person at a time. This ripple effect of a leader’s actions significantly impacts how associates interact and serve patients and clients. By acting out values, holding associates accountable to high standards and having compassion, leaders establish team expectations and shape the workplace environment as a whole.
Work toward a common goal
When effectively implemented, values give associates a purpose that underscores the impact of their work as a group and the overarching reason they do what they do. This, in turn, energizes the team, strengthens relationships and improves work quality.
Moral standards are the foundation of a positive workplace environment. At Medxcel, our Core Values guide all that we do, from service of the poor to integrity and dedication. We promote a strong values-based environment by recognizing the moments our associates embody our Common Purpose to support life’s moments by enabling safe and healthy environments for our community.
By encouraging associates to share and honor company-wide values and take on the organizational mission as their own, they adopt a group mindset and begin to look at failures and successes with a team mindset, rather than focusing on individual achievements and weaknesses.
Promote an empathetic culture
Living out our values goes beyond our service to clients and patients. A values-driven environment requires that we abide by the same ideals internally that we exhibit to the public. Consequently, treating other team members with compassion is essential for integrating moral standards into the overall culture of the organization. Leaders can set an example by setting aside their own assumptions and judgment during interactions with team members and taking the time to respond with empathy.
Encourage feedback
Workplaces are constantly evolving, which means there is always room for improvement. Don’t be afraid to be transparent and ask associates for feedback, talking openly about what works and what doesn’t to gain insight into what the organization could be doing better.
Values are at the heart of all healthcare work. Within each organization, they form a common thread that unites the entire team. When we intentionally live out our company-wide values, our work is more productive, meaningful and fulfilling.
To learn more about the benefits of creating a values-based environment, check out Season 2, Episode 10 of our podcast, Outside the Patient’s Door: “Value-driven Leadership with Nick Marsico and Carla Shade.”