This morning I had a Skype call with my four year old niece and she was bouncing around the room, wiggling and jiggling, doing her little happy dance because today is the best day ever, it’s Show And Tell Day at her kindergarten!
four little girls showing and telling the world what matters most: equal human rights for all. image credit: nicole adams.
For kindergarteners, Show and Tell Day is the most exciting day of the month, when students get to bring their favourite “thing” of the moment to class, including anything from a stuffed bear, to a baby sister, or even a giant dill pickle (my niece really loves her sister, and dill pickles). The point is, they bring something that makes them feel good.
As adults, we no longer have the pleasure of participating in “show and tell” day, instead we “show and tell” what makes us feel good in our own grown-up way. We show and we tell our values and beliefs in myriad of ways, and they impact everything we do.
The strongest and most successful companies in the world also have the strongest and most successful organizational culture, built on solid values and a team that is completely aligned to “showing and telling” those values.
In the current political climate, it appears that many companies are avoiding publicizing authentic company values or “personal” beliefs for fear of engaging in political discourse, alienating potential clients, stifling free speech, or breaking employment laws. The common theme seems to be, as one founder recently told me, “just keep your opinions and values to yourself, and you’ll be fine”.
This is anything but “fine”.
It’s not enough to stay silent and let hatred, xenophobia, misogyny, homophobia, and intolerance be the loudest voices in the room, for the sake of your desire to sell a product or service, or your fear of retribution. Hiding behind the idea of “not wanting to stifle ‘free speech’” is a weak excuse to avoid standing up for your so-called company values. There is a clear distinction between genuinely embracing diversity and inclusion, and alienating immigrants, women, members of the LGBQT community, and more.
You don't need to attend a protest to take a stand. there are so many ways to demonstrate your core values, support your employees, and build your company culture. Check out this great example of a simple action taken by the kiwiana restaurant in brooklyn.
If you claim that your company values include diversity and inclusion, but you directly or indirectly support, fund, or promote white supremacist business or organizations, you are part of the problem.
"There is no more neutrality in the world. You either have to be part of the solution, or you're going to be part of the problem."
- Elridge Cleaver, American writer and political activist.
As leaders, founders, managers, and investors we are role models in the world. We have the power and responsibility to spread tolerance, increase workplace diversity, embrace immigrants, eradicate misogyny, and so much more.
Creating and publicizing company core values that reflect tolerance, diversity, equality, and global citizenship isn’t just good for our society, it’s a winning business strategy that will enable you to:
Build mutual respect and trust among employees, increasing collaboration and productivity.
Develop an emotionally and physically safe workplace and increase employee retention
Attract top international candidates.
Build the foundation of a strong company culture, and scale a workforce that is completely aligned to well defined, guiding core values.
This isn’t isn’t just about building your business, or making a political statement, it’s about standing up for human rights.
Company core values aren’t just ambiguous “fluff” to stick up on a wall decal in the office foyer. They shape employees’ and clients’ experiences, they’re a core part of branding, and they are powerful enough influence the world around us.
Take a stand for your company values. Post them publicly, define them well, use them in your branding, marketing and internal and external communication, talk about what they mean to you and your team, and how they positively influence the world beyond your office walls.
Build your company culture, boost your bottom line, and do something good for the world.
If you agree, take a stand. Please share this post with a comment about how your company values make a positive difference in your workplace and in the world, and hashtag it: #CULTUREWINS
- Alexis