As a leader, you understand how important it is to have a cohesive team filled with individuals who bring their own unique strengths and abilities to the table. But have you ever considered that the values held by each team member could be the key to creating a truly effective and successful team? The Law of Identity, the twelfth law of John C. Maxwell’s 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork, states, “Shared Values Define the Team.” In today’s blog post, we will explore this law and the importance of shared values in defining your team’s identity and success.
The Value of Values
So, why are values so important in defining a team’s identity and success? For starters, shared values act as the “glue” that brings a team together and keeps them working towards the same goal. They also serve as a foundation for success – by establishing a clear set of values, everyone on the team knows what is expected of them, what their priorities are, and what they stand for. Shared values can also help create a sense of unity and purpose, as each team member knows that their individual efforts contribute to the success of the entire team.
Simply having a list of values for the team doesn’t mean it’s a team and certainly doesn’t ensure effectiveness. The real power of shared values lies in the way they are put into practice. A team that actively lives out its core values on a daily basis will be much more successful than one that simply has a list of values written down but doesn’t take any action to make them part of their everyday life.
Practicing the Law of Identity
If you want your team to be successful, it’s important to take the time to define and practice shared values. Start by coming up with a list of core values that represent your team’s mission and vision: what does your team stand for? What are its goals and objectives? Make sure everyone on the team is aware of these values and how they apply to their individual roles.
Next, you should make a conscious effort to ensure that all team members are living up to these values. Create processes and guidelines for team members to follow and provide feedback on how well they’re adhering to them. Remember that it’s not only important for the team to understand your values; they also need to feel ownership of them. Encourage open dialogue and discussion around shared values and allow team members to contribute their own ideas.
Finally, take time to recognize and celebrate when someone is living out your values. Whether it’s a job well done or simply an act of kindness or generosity, make sure the whole team knows that you appreciate what they are doing for the team. This will reinforce the importance of shared values within the group and encourage everyone to do their part.
Here are some other actions you can encourage and practice on your team.
- Communicate honestly and openly. Open communication is essential for teams to stay connected and in alignment with their shared values. Team members should always feel comfortable speaking up, exchanging ideas, and giving feedback.
- Make decisions with team values in mind. Before making a decision, it’s important to consider how it aligns with the team’s shared values. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and moving in the same direction.
- Lead by example. As a leader, it’s important to demonstrate the team’s values in your own behavior. This will help create a culture of shared values and reinforce them amongst all team members.
Shared values are at the core of any successful team – they define the team’s identity and set everyone on the same page. By establishing and living out shared values, your team can remain focused on reaching their goals and have a greater sense of unity.
A Compass for Success
One of the key benefits of shared values is that they can serve as a compass for success. By clearly defining your team’s values, you are establishing ethical standards for behavior and decision-making. As J.R. Ewing famously said, “once you give up your ethics, the rest is a piece of cake.” When teams deviate from their values, it can lead to big problems, making it essential to have a clear compass for success.
In conclusion, the Law of Identity teaches us that shared values define the team. As leaders, it’s essential to establish clear and specific values that act as the glue, foundation, compass, and identity for your team. When everyone on the team shares the same values, they are more likely to work effectively together and achieve their goals while maintaining ethical standards. By taking the time to define your team’s values and ensuring that everyone on the team understands and embraces them, you can create a truly effective and successful team.
Can you confirm that your team has established core values that all members understand and recognize as crucial for making decisions and keeping the team cohesive?