How to Communicate Effectively in a Values-Based Environment

No matter how much thought goes into vision-building for a team’s culture, every leader and team member must carry it out to make a positive culture happen. Each team member has the power and influence to pull their team in a positive or negative direction. That’s why, as a member of a values-based team, you have an immense responsibility to maintain the integrity of your organization’s values through the way you communicate. 

Communication skills are one of the most highly and widely valued qualities in any organization. Whether in daily conversation or formal problem-solving, here are five guidelines to live by within a values-based environment.

• Communicate with Integrity

No matter your role, your honesty and integrity in every interaction is key to fostering a transparent culture and community within the workplace. Make every email and conversation reflect the integrity and ethics that your organization stands for.

• Lean on Core Values During Tough Conversations

Rely on the shared values during confrontations, providing feedback, or discussing conflict, to relieve tension and remain professional. You can frequently reference your shared values to promote respectful and constructive outcomes in situations like these.

• Listen Actively to Understand Others

Instead of thinking about what you will say next, focus on listening in every conversation. You can practice this skill in daily conversations to build rapport and refine the skill in problem-solving conversations or conflict. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree or concede to everyone on your team. Actively listening shows that you acknowledge and value others’ points and perspectives. A listening mindset will prepare you to seek compromises and communicate with respect.

• Use Values to Navigate Organizational Change

Change is inevitable in any work environment. Exemplify adaptability and patience in a time when everyone is stretched amidst an organizational change. You can lead out in exemplifying your organization’s values by leading conversations away from complaint, being quick to accept changes, and grounding your motivation in the organization’s mission, not comfort or personal preference. Maintain your identity as a purpose-driven employee when changes would try to pull your attention away.

• Promote a Positive Work Culture

More than a smiling countenance, you can help maintain a positive environment with the way you contribute to everyday conversations. Think about the way you talk about your leaders and coworkers, and consider whether you build them up or tear them down around others. Seek to give others the benefit of the doubt and lead out in treating them with kindness. Your joyful attitude will foster a forgiving team culture where you can maintain the mission at hand as the top priority.

If you’re interested in learning more about being the marketable employee that your nonprofit needs, check out CEO William Vanderbloemen’s book Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest. William describes how being agile, self-aware, and purpose-driven can influence your communication and success in a competitive job market. Check out the book today to develop your reservoir of valuable employment qualities.