Values

The word "value", coming from French verb valoir meaning "to be worth",describes how we intend to operate, on a day-by-day basis as we pursue our vision. As Bill O’Brien points out, Adolf Hitler’s Germany was based on a very clear shared vision, but its values were monstrous. A set of governing values might include: how we want to behave with each other; how we expect to regard our customers, community, and vendors; and the lines which we will and will not cross. Values are best expressed in terms of behavior: If we act as we should, what would an observer see us doing? How would we be thinking. When Values are articulated but ignored, an important part of the shared vision effort is shut away. By contrast, when values are made a central part of the organization’s shared vision effort, and put out in full view, they become like figurehead on a s hip: a guiding symbol of the behavior that will help people move toward the vision. It becomes easier to speak honestly, or to reveal information, when people know that these are aspects of agree-upon values.

Compiled by

Rudolf Husar rhusar@mecf.wustl.edu Last Updated 10/31/94