If these values don’t hold it all together, nothing will.
When I was 15 years old, I learned what risk and entrepreneurship mean. That year and for the next three years, I worked alongside my parents to build a business that still stands today. So, it was a good risk.
Once I finished high school, I was sure that I’d never be a risk-taking entrepreneur. So, for the next twenty years, I stayed in the corporate world, went to university, got an MBA, and built a nice life.
Then, one day, I got fired from a C-suite corporate job. Reality spoke!! I learned that you don’t say NO to the President. I had been miserable for two years, and getting fired was a timely end to my corporate life. I was asked to compromise my integrity, and I was having none of it.
Entrepreneurship . . . Here I come!
Reflecting on what happened thirty years ago, I still stand by the values that put me in that position. Those values determine how I conduct business. My clients are in a wide range of industries, from multinational corporations to small local firms – they, too, share the values I uphold.
I remain firmly committed to my business and the clients that put me on this path thirty years ago.
My last email spoke to the ‘Science and Art of Collaboration’. That thinking comes from having the opportunity to collaborate with clients and colleagues. It’s a gift every day.
Beyond what I learned in my teens, working with clients (large and small) has enriched me with what truly gives organizations a sense of unity, drive, and purpose. That is what is shared among leaders, embedded in strategy, and valued by all employees.
When we make dramatic changes in the business, these values make the difference between resistance and acceptance.
This holds true in the classes and courses I teach and the clients I advise and coach.
Beyond collaboration, to act on what matters, we must possess. . . .
1. Integrity
Integrity is one of the most universally shared values in business. Both leaders and employees value honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in their work. When managers and leaders uphold their integrity, it fosters trust not only between them and employees but also with customers and other stakeholders.
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Integrity is what ensures that actions align with words, which is critical for building trust and maintaining credibility within and outside the organization.
2. Accountability
Managers, leaders, and employees strongly value accountability. Accountability means taking responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes – whether good or bad. When accountability is embedded in the culture, mindset, strategies and decisions, it drives performance and ownership. It changes how risk-taking is viewed.
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Accountability creates a sense of responsibility and encourages everyone in the organization to meet obligations and expectations, fostering a results-driven environment.
3. Respect
Self-respect and respect for others – regardless of their role, background, relationship, or opinion – is a core value that resonates across all levels of an organization. It creates a foundation of empathy and compassion by fostering an awareness of one’s own worth and the inherent dignity of others, which encourages understanding and kindness. It involves valuing diverse perspectives, recognizing contributions, and maintaining professionalism in all interactions.
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A culture of respect creates a positive work environment, reduces conflict, and boosts employee morale and engagement, giving everyone the sense that they can be heard, leading to better collaboration and employee retention.
4. Innovation / Creativity
The path to innovation is through the freedom of creativity. It is a value embraced by all the stakeholders, particularly in dynamic industries. It reflects a commitment to adaptability, continuous improvement, creative problem-solving, and finding new ways to add value to the business. Leaders encourage it through their vision, while managers and employees seek opportunities to contribute to business and personal growth and success.
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Innovation is the fuel that powers organizations to stay competitive and adapt to changing markets and customer needs, empowering employees to take the initiative and think creatively.
These five values – collaboration, integrity, accountability, respect, and innovation/creativity – are foundational for organizations and individuals to be successful.
Values are the keystone for health, wealth, and relationships.
When shared between business leaders, managers, employees, and colleagues, they create alignment and foster a sense of positive ‘can do’ in the culture. It helps them achieve their goals through mutual understanding and cooperation. This applies to corporate titans as well as small businesses and solo entrepreneurs.
With the amount of division that has been prevalent in businesses and nations, it is time to change the tide for the coming new year.
It all starts with you!
I am Dragica Grbavac Robinson, and my company helps businesses to build their capabilities so they can achieve their best performance and thrive!
Whether you’re managing a project or a multi-national corporation, what do you want that you don’t have today?
Ask us how you can change the tide in your environment.
