Organizations with a strong sense of cohesion see a 21% increase in profitability, yet many companies still struggle to integrate core values into everyday practices.

The Cohesion-Infusion and Alignment Exercise provides a practical framework to bridge this gap and create a cohesive workplace culture.

Aligning company values with daily operations is essential for fostering a cohesive and supportive workplace. The Cohesion-Infusion and Alignment Exercise offers a systematic approach to integrating these values into both work-life integration and career development. By focusing on key elements like belonging, value, and mutual commitment, organizations can create a workplace culture that not only supports employees but also drives success.

I'll be chatting more about the effects of cohesion on workplace culture on the Optimize and Elevate discussion coming up September 18th at 2:30 pm. Mark your calendar and listen in live!

Understanding the Three Strategic Elements of Cohesion

The foundation of the Cohesion-Infusion and Alignment Exercise lies in three strategic elements: belonging, value, and mutual commitment. These elements are key for building a cohesive workplace where employees feel connected and engaged.

• Belonging: This element emphasizes the importance of employees feeling that they are part of something larger than themselves. When employees feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to be committed to the organization and its goals. For belonging to come full circle, employees need to know they are seen and heard. In other words, they need to be included. Not that they expect leaders to use every idea suggested. They want to be asked.
• Value: Recognizing the individual contributions of employees is key to fostering a sense of under the meaningfulness of their work. When employees know that their work is appreciated and that they are making a difference, they are more motivated and productive. A 2020 McKinsey survey found that 70% of employees tie their sense of purpose to their work, and productivity is higher for those who can live their purpose.
• Mutual Commitment: Commitment through collaboration is the glue that holds everything together. It’s about employees being needed and trusted. Through collaboration employees express the level of dedicated they have to their roles, their teams, and the organization as a whole. Commitment is built over time through consistent actions and behaviors that align with the company’s values.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Cohesion-Infusion and Alignment Exercise

Aligning company values without a clear process is like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions—frustrating and likely to leave a few parts lying around. Instead of winging it, I've laid out a structured process for you to follow:

1. Start with One Value at a Time: Begin by selecting a core company value that you want to focus on. For this example, we’ll use the value of integrity.
2. Examine Supporting Behaviors: Identify specific behaviors that support the chosen value. For integrity, this might include honesty, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
3. Apply Behaviors to Personal Life: Reflect on how these behaviors can be applied at home or in personal life. For instance, telling the truth is a behavior that supports integrity both at work and at home.
4. Connect to Belonging: Consider how the behavior of truthfulness can enhance a sense of belonging. When employees are honest, they build trust with their colleagues, which strengthens their sense of belonging within the team.
5. Align Work and Home: Identify ways in which truthfulness and belonging can be aligned both at work and at home. This might involve creating a culture where employees are encouraged to be open and honest in all aspects of their lives.
6. Repeat the Process: Go through this process for each of your organization’s values and each strategic element of cohesion. This ensures a comprehensive integration of values into the workplace culture.
7. Record Responses: Document the insights and responses gathered during this exercise. This information will be valuable for supporting development and coaching initiatives.
8. Support Development Initiatives: Use the recorded information to create development programs that align with the values and strategic elements identified. This helps to reinforce the importance of cohesion in everyday work practices.

The Benefits of Cohesion in the Workplace

Implementing the Cohesion-Infusion and Alignment Exercise provides numerous benefits for both employees and the organization. A cohesive workplace where values are lived daily leads to higher employee engagement, better retention rates, and ultimately, greater organizational success. When employees feel that their values are aligned with the company’s mission, they are more likely to be committed and motivated to contribute to the organization’s goals.

The Cohesion-Infusion and Alignment Exercise is a powerful tool for embedding organizational values into the fabric of your workplace. By systematically aligning values with the strategic elements of cohesion, companies can create a supportive and engaging environment that retains talent and drives success. Start with one value, engage your team in the process, and watch as your workplace culture transforms into a cohesive and thriving environment.

Don't miss Dr. Troy on Optimize & Elevate discussion on September 18th at 2:30 pm. Mark your calendar for valuable insights on leadership and organizational culture.

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To learn more, click here to purchase your very own copy of my book Cohesion Culture: Proven Principles to Retain Your Top Talent.

For more insight on this topic, please refer to these blog posts:

• How to Unleash Gen AI Innovation in your CU
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• Connecting HR and Technology

Interested in reading more from Dr. Troy Hall? Check out my books available for purchase on Amazon.