Clark Griswold's misadventures in "National Lampoon's Vacation" is a masterclass in messing up. Chevy Chase embodies the lovable yet stubborn patriarch who repeatedly loses his way in his earnest attempts to give his family the perfect road trip. The comedy unfolds as he determinedly refuses to ask for directions, leading the Griswolds into one hilarious predicament after another. It's entertaining on the big screen but in the corporate world? Not so much. Imagine leading your team down the winding roads of the business world without a roadmap or refusing to seek guidance when you're clearly off course.
In our recent Virtual Culture Labs Podcast, Dan Kasper and Guy Hart talked about the vital nature of company values. Guy put his finger on the mark when he said,
“The thing about values is that if people don't own them, then they're just words.”
While Clark Griswold only needed to reach for a paper map, setting a course with your team can be harder. Putting values on a sheet of paper or on a wall might remain just words… That’s why it’s so important to take time to internalize and embody your values so they can become the true compass your workplace culture needs to thrive.
Think back to any great leader you've known, and there's a good chance that one of their strengths was communication. It's not just about relaying information but ensuring that the team understands the company's core values. It's tempting to assume that everyone "gets it," but it's often not the case. It's like expecting Clark to intuitively know the way to Wally World without a map. By openly discussing and defining these values and allowing the entire team to share their ideas, leaders can ensure that the team is moving in the same direction.
Now comes the harder path. True leadership requires living those values every day, showing your team that you're not just paying lip service. What your employees see you doing is what they're more likely to emulate. If they know you cut corners when it comes to your expressed values, they’re not going to take them as seriously.
Don’t get us wrong. Effectively, clearly, and regularly communicating your values is vital to laying the foundation for your culture. But the best way to make it stick is to live them out. We all make mistakes, so why not make “owning up” one of your company values, too?
Even though he's a fictional character, we can all agree that Clark could have benefited from listening to his family a little more. Similarly, leaders should actively seek feedback. Building a thriving culture requires everyone to invest and grow together, and inviting others to take ownership and give their leaders helpful feedback is a great way to build more cohesion. When team members feel their insights are valued, it fosters a culture of trust and mutual respect.
To truly internalize and live out your company's values, having a moment of introspection at the end of each day is helpful. Here's a simple yet transformative practice for leaders:
By dedicating just five minutes each night to this reflective practice, you'll find yourself becoming more attuned to your actions and their alignment with your company's values. Over time, you’ll notice yourself more naturally acting out of your values. This will enhance your leadership style and foster a stronger, value-driven organizational culture.
In the vast jungle of corporate leadership, it's not uncommon for companies to occasionally drift off course. While introspection and reflection are powerful tools in a leader's arsenal, modern technology offers additional support. Tools like Instill's Culture Vital Signs™ leverage the power of artificial intelligence to identify the subtle yet impactful nuances of a company's culture. By analyzing data and employee feedback, it provides insights into areas of strength and those that might need a nudge in the right direction.
Just as Clark Griswold could have benefitted from a GPS to navigate the family through their adventurous vacations, leaders today can use AI-driven tools to keep their company's journey aligned with its core values. Through a combination of personal reflection and leveraging cutting-edge technology, today's leaders can ensure that their company not only knows where it's going but enjoys a fulfilling, value-driven journey along the way.