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Home > Why Your Values Might Be Harming Your Company

2024 Annual
Leaders often believe the values put them into a box. These values prevent them from making business decisions that would be profitable. Do they follow the ethical code of the organization, or do they pursue profit over doing the right thing? Being able to have a foundation for what is & is not acceptable is the ultimate measure for decision-making.
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A year-end (2023) Gartner report, 'Top 5 Priorities for HR Leaders in 2024,' found that organizational culture is the number two concern of HR executives. Culture has become a ubiquitous term that has evolved to mean anything to anyone talking about culture. When examining or establishing a culture, one common activity is the expression of the values.    What is often overlooked is the values and culture of the organization already exist. What is also frequently ignored is that every organization has unspoken values or a covert culture.  The covert culture is reflected in the behaviors that are learned through observations and experiences. They are the authentic values of the company. Once your values are stated, employees believe they are the right way of acting, and the organization will inherently do good.   So why, for so many leaders, are values a source of pain?   Why do leaders feel the values are limiting?    But what happens when leaders make decisions that counter the values?  There are many situations where the articulation of the values can result in employee stress and cynicism. What actions can you take to avoid expressing your values only to have leaders undermine them? What are ways to embed the values with employees at all levels so there is a common interpretation and application? What is the business case for living the values, especially in difficult times?   What do The Body Shop, Danone, IKEA, Chick-fil-A, Ben & Jerry's, TOMS, REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.), Patagonia and Starbucks all have in common?

Learning Objectives:

  • What to do to ensure leaders are aligned with the values.
  • What is the difference between authentic values and aspirational values.
  • What is the implication if values are aspirational.
  • Why do leaders feel the values are limiting?
  • What happens when leaders make decisions that counter the values?
  • Why are many company value statements a source for employee cynicism.


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Date(s) & Time(s): 
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Presenter: 
Dr. David S. Cohen
Founder and Contrarian Consultant
DS Cohen & Associates
Connect Online with this Speaker
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Speaker's Blog
Speaker's Website

Dr. David S Cohen, Ed. D. has a vision: organizations that thrive by living their values in good times and especially VUCA times. David's first career was in elementary and high school education, where he built a reputation for building school communities based on purpose and social responsibility. Thirty-three years ago, David transitioned to corporate consulting. As a consultant, David earned a reputation as a contrarian consultant because he does not always follow what is popular in his chosen field. David works with leaders helping them understand what is and what is not necessary to build an active and positive organization. He helps leaders' step into life's challenges, inspiring them to create a sustained approach through a values-based focus, resulting in better business results. David has had the privilege of partnering with firms across five continents and all business sectors. Additionally, he has worked with governments, from the local to the federal levels, and not-for-profits.

He has taught at Queens University School of Labour Relations and the executive education program at the Schulich School of Business, York University. Currently, he teaches organizational development at Durham College. David earned his doctorate from Boston University in Humanistic and Behavioural Studies. During that time, he also completed independent studies at the Harvard School of Education, where he was a teaching assistant.

David is a keynote speaker, educator, disruptor, facilitator, team builder, and executive coach. He has authored two books and numerous articles in professional journals.

  • The Talent Edge: A Behavioral Approach to Hiring, Developing, and Keeping Top Performers (John Wiley and Sons, August 2001)
  • Inside the Box: Leading With Corporate Values to Drive Sustained Business Success (Jossey-Bass September 2006)

When David is not travelling, he is hanging out with his five grandchildren, when possible, attending Toronto Raptor's games, or relaxing with family and friends.

David is honored to be recognized by the GlobalGurus30 as one of the top 30 GlobalGurus in Organizational Culture.

SESSIONS:
Location: 
S406B, South Building - Level 4 (MPCC)
Session Type: 
Concurrent Session
ENX CHRO
ENX HR Leaders
ENX Mid-Market
Competency: 
Business (Behavioral)
Interpersonal (Behavioral)
Leadership (Behavioral)
Intended Audience: 
Mid-Level
Senior-Level
View other sessions related to this topic: 
Inclusion & Diversity

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