16/12/2024

What do your values say about you?

We’re not talking about the words painted on your office walls, printed in your handbook or emblazoned on the free t-shirt at the fun-run you’re sacrificing your Saturday morning for..we mean the real values—what your organisation lives, breathes, and demonstrates every single day – so let’s take a look at why most values projects fail.

So often, values projects aren’t truly connected to what makes an organisation unique. They’re created in isolation, launched with a flurry of posters and emails, and then, well, nothing.  Maybe a new logo or a strapline.

Employees quickly see them for what they are—empty promises.  Ultimately, badly-done values projects not only have a monetary cost, but they also end up having a negative ROI as disillusion begins to reign supreme.

That’s why most values projects fail.

It’s not what you say…

Values aren’t what you say; they’re what you do. And if your values don’t feel alive—shaping behaviours, guiding decisions, and connecting people—then what’s the point?

Spend the money on pizza Fridays and paintball and have done with it.

A Lead Happy values project is literally the roadmap to bringing your values to life. 

We work with you to uncover what makes your organisation exceptional on its best days and we build together from there. It’s the secret sauce that so many organisations are afraid of tasting.

We’re all about thinking bravely – it’s a core Lead Happy value – we’ll help you to think bravely about who you want to become and ensure your values create a culture where people thrive, contribute, and stay connected to your shared purpose.

So, what do your values say about you? And more importantly, what do you want them to say?

The role of values in organisational success

Let’s start with this..

When was the last time your values influenced a big decision?

If you’re struggling to answer, you’re not alone.

Strong values aren’t just a leadership buzzword. They’re the behaviours your organisation lives by—helping you make the right calls in tough moments and guiding your teams in how they show up, how they communicate, and how they collaborate.

If you’re wondering how to unleash creativity, it’s usually not by taking them to the woods and getting them to build a freaking bridge, it’s presenting a clear set of values to act as a beacon to light the way when times require it.

In times of growth, transformation, or pressure, it’s this clarity, the light in the dark that values bring. They’re the constant—helping leaders inspire, employees align, and decisions stay true to your purpose.

Whether you’re scaling for the future, uniting a newly merged team, or simply trying to attract and retain top talent, values are your anchor.

But it’s not just about the big picture. Values also shape the small, everyday moments that define your culture. They influence how people treat each other, how trust is built, and how innovation is nurtured. In short, values create the conditions where both people and performance thrive.

Here’s the catch: if your values aren’t visible in the behaviours of your leaders or the daily actions of your teams, they aren’t working for you.

So, ask yourself: are your values helping you lead the way? Or are they a missed opportunity waiting to be unlocked?

Learn more about Lead Happy Facilitation

Lead Happy’s co-creative approach

Values don’t belong to leadership alone. They belong to everyone in the organisation. That’s why the best values are born from collaboration—built with your people, not handed to them.

Values projects are as much about the process as the outcome.

By involving employees at every level, you ensure the experience is engaging, energising, and memorable. It’s not about telling people what to believe; it’s about creating space to explore who you are at your best and what you need to thrive in the future.

Start with discovery.

Dig deep.

Listen to the voices across your organisation.

From employee workshops to leadership interviews and surveys, we always try and unearth the themes, behaviours, and stories that define your culture now—and the aspirations that will shape your future.

Then comes the co-creation.

…where the magic happens.

Together, we’ll refine those insights into values and behaviours that are clear, actionable, and inspiring. Through interactive sessions with senior leaders, employee forums, and diversity groups, you’ll start to see your values resonate with everyone—from the boardroom to the breakroom.

Most importantly, when it’s all going so swimmingly well, DON’T STOP.

Embedding values (or rather, failing to) is where many projects falter.

Work to align your values with leadership behaviours, recruitment, onboarding, performance reviews, and beyond.  Make your values part of the fabric of your organisation—visible, practical, and lived every day.

At Lead Happy, we know people learn best when they’re having fun.  We use Jestology™— our unique blend of storytelling, humour, and experiential learning. It’s what transforms this sort of work from a box-ticking exercise into an unforgettable experience that sticks. It change organisations and it changes lives.

 

What does Jestology feel like? – Watch the video

 

The Business Case for Values

Let’s talk impact.

Strong organisational values aren’t just a “nice to have”—they’re the difference between a team that survives and one that thrives. When values are clear, actionable, and truly embedded, they become a powerful tool for growth, engagement, and cultural cohesion.

 

What do aligned values do for an organisation?

 

Drive Engagement and Retention

People want to work where they feel connected and valued. When employees see their organisation living its values—through behaviours, decisions, and leadership—they feel a sense of purpose and belonging. This translates to higher engagement, lower turnover, and a stronger employer brand that attracts top talent.

 

Strengthen Leadership and Collaboration

Values create a shared language and set of expectations that help leaders lead and teams collaborate. They clarify how decisions are made, how conflicts are resolved, and how success is celebrated—removing ambiguity and fostering trust.

Enhance Decision-Making

In uncertain or high-pressure situations, values act as a compass. They guide decisions, ensuring that actions align with both short-term goals and long-term aspirations. When values are clear, there’s less room for second-guessing or misalignment.

Position You for Strategic Growth

Whether you’re preparing for a merger, scaling internationally, or planning for sale, strong values set you apart. They create a culture that feels cohesive and aligned, even in the face of change, which ultimately strengthens your strategic positioning and reputation.

 

 

What’s the cost of not getting this right?

Misaligned values lead to disengagement, fragmented teams, and missed opportunities. The financial and cultural toll can be – and regularly is – significant.

Organisations that invest in meaningful values projects see the rewards—because strong values drive strong results.

 

 

Now we know why most values projects fail, let’s ask that question again – what do your values say about you?

If they’re not driving your organisation forward—guiding behaviours, shaping decisions, and connecting your people—then it’s time to take action.

Lead Happy specialises in supporting you to create values that live and breathe within organisations. Our process is collaborative, energising, and designed to ensure your values become a meaningful part of daily life—not just words on a wall.

It starts with a conversation.

Let’s explore what makes your organisation unique and how we can help you define values that inspire and unite.

Get in touch to arrange a callback

Also Read :

Transforming Leadership the Lead Happy Way

9 Reasons not to fake it before you make it – Authenticity Matters

7 Common Leadership Mistakes (and how to avoid them)