Values in organisations
Organisations are complex. Yet at the centre of every culture are just a handful of values and beliefs forming the axis around which the rest of the wheel turns. Popular approaches to stating core values include surveys inviting employees to suggest or pick from lists of words, often followed by polls or some other form of vote for the most popular. Unfortunately, as human beings our expression is limited by the ideas we already have and we are vulnerable to trying to give what we think is the “right” answer rather than the “real” answer (researchers call this social desirability bias).
We explore values differently.
Thinking and Talking
Thinking and Talking
We use conversation and structured facilitation to identify and refine the big ideas that already matter to people. Then we explore what those people most want to create inside and outside their organisation. Where past experience, present practice and future ambition connect, powerful shared values which actually matter can be identified.
Storytelling
Storytelling
We invite everyone to share stories of ‘us at our best” and ‘why I stay’. These free form narratives (no tick boxes in sight) are analysed using ValScan™ an online tool which draws upon the Minessence Values Framework. The tool identifies the highest priority values behind staff retention and the highest priority values lived when the work is at its most engaging.
With this insight we support organisations to distil their unique core values from the lived experience of their people and what matters most to them. Parrs Wood Case Study
Mapping & Tracking
Mapping & Tracking
As abstract ideas which sit in our unconscious, values are challenging to explore. Each of us has our own unique pattern of priority values and when we join a group we seek alignment between our values and values common to the other members of the team, department or partnership. We can map and track these values using the Minessence Values Inventory.
Healthy constructive relationships within the group are vital to effective performance. Conscious connection with priority values, both individually and collectively, can increase resilience, buffer against stress and increase creativity. Values insight gives us a fresh neutral language for appreciating and celebrating difference whilst finding common ground.
I agree holding out for the romance of loving work more than life not helpful. I do advocate seeking work that aligns with some of your priority #values - a route to experiencing work as worthwhile over + above money. Sticking to work/a workplace you hate is bad for our health 😡
Why you should ditch ‘follow your passion’ careers advice https://www.ft.com/content/a583d084-4b61-4527-85dd-ef5324ec0158?segmentID=635a35f9-12b4-dbf5-9fe6-6b8e6ffb143e
I am thinking of writing a blog about starting a trusteeship during lockdown? Is anyone a new trustee who joined their board in lockdown? What have you found hard? what are your top tips for getting this right? Message me if you are happy to share.
Staff are giving everything they have to protect patients right now. It's so brutal, so exhausting, our hospitals awash with suffering. Please read & please - above all - stay at home, keep safe. We have pregnant women in their 20s in ICUs. Stay home 🙏
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/24/rachel-clarke-nhs-staff-are-burning-with-frustration-and-grief-at-this-second-wave
Key message:
Schools AREN'T shut
Schools AREN'T safe.
Infections ARE spiking again
Teachers are doing two jobs at once (teaching half of pupils at school in the day, the other half remotely at night).
Its a complete government shambles for which staff and pupils pay the price. https://twitter.com/LizStokoe/status/1353427334460821509
Schools aren't "shut". Like many, my partner teaches 50% of his class in person all day & preps for the 50% learning remotely all evening. What if the headline was "A year on, why hasn't UK gov implemented all we've learnt about risk reduction?" Or just "Where is the strategy?"