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How to Use Your Core Values to Inspire, Retain, and Energize Your Team

Picture of Hiro Soga Hiro Soga : 12/12/24 10:15 AM

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For the last few decades, but especially so in recent years, people are seeking out more than just an income from their place of employment. More people want to do work, or at least work for a company, that aligns with their values, ideals, and beliefs.

As a small business or non-profit, it likely comes as no surprise to you to hear that studies show that employees are more motivated when they are happy with the work they produce and feel positive about the impacts that they are making. This kind of passion and motivation can give any socially responsible organization the energy to grow and expand if directed in the right way.

But don’t make the mistake of assuming that it’s a bottomless well of motivation and passion. Factors like burnout, or the company straying from their values (or even worse, “washing” business values making them misleading and disingenuous) can quickly run the well dry and lose that energy from your employees.

Finding the right way to harness this energy without burning out employees or straying from your values helps create more synergy and passion among your team and a better experience for your customers.

These four tips will help you build a workplace where you and your employees are motivated by the passion behind your shared values.

1. Clear, defined, and actionable values

For employees to buy-in and motivate each other around organizational values, they need to be clear, defined, and actionable. It’s easy to use buzz words like “Sustainability” and “Respect” when asked what your company values are, but what does that specifically mean for your organization? Maybe “respect” means respecting your coworkers' time by not being late, or respecting the tools you use in your day-to-day work whether that be a hammer or a keyboard.

Being open and clear with your whole team helps to make sure everyone is on the same page, working towards the same goals, and understand the expectations of how each employee is expected to embody the values in their own work and as a business.

2. Express gratitude and recognition, frequently

Spotlighting when someone models the company values, a public recognition for values-driven choices in day-to-day work, or even a simple thank you can go a long way. Don’t save the recognition and gratitude for when you achieve your ultimate goals. Consistent recognition helps to keep spirits high, and lets people know that you appreciate the thought and efforts put in to advance your mission.

3. Consistently demonstrate your values and create space for open discussions

The owner or leader needs to show their commitment to the values and mission of the company to inspire others to do the same. Encourage questions, discussions, and input from your team members and employees. It’s a good thing when employees show interest in the values and mission, it indicates that they truly care and want to make sure that their voices are being heard. These types of discussions can be invigorating and inspiring when done well.

Always go back to the cause when questions arise. It isn’t easy working towards change but bravery is what will drive your team to achieve goals. Remind yourself and your team of what you’re working towards; saving lives, promoting equity, or just providing the best customer service. If employees can enjoy, identify with, and benefit from the core values at hand, they will remain motivated and passionate about their work.

4. Encourage, accentuate, and incorporate your employee’s other skills and interests

What people do for work isn’t necessarily where their true passions lie. While it is true that some do have strong passion for their work tasks, some may be more bought into the mission and values than the day-to-day tasks on their to-do list.

If people are willing to share, or you learn of, other passions in their lives, it can be very motivating and appreciated to incorporate those passions into work towards the mission and demonstrating the company’s values. Consider ways their other skills could be a benefit to the project or company. Giving opportunities to do what people are passionate about will naturally increase their motivation.