Embedding Core Values in Your Practice

At SKF Practice Solutions, our core values—Integrity, Accuracy, Efficiency, Gratitude, and Knowledge—are more than just words on a wall. They are deeply embedded in every facet of our company culture. This commitment to living our core values is one of the things we are most proud of.

The Problem with Unlived Core Values

We've all experienced workplaces where core values are mentioned once during onboarding and then promptly forgotten. This disconnect can lead to employee dissatisfaction and makes it challenging to find team members who are the right fit for your office. When core values aren't actively integrated into daily operations, they fail to guide behavior or influence company culture in any meaningful way.

Creating Core Values with Your Team

If your office doesn't have established core values, or if it's time for a refresh, involving your team in the creation process can be incredibly beneficial. Not only does this collaborative approach help develop meaningful core values, but it also makes team members feel valued and integral to the organization.

Here's a simple activity to get started:

1. Gather Your Team: Bring everyone together in a space with a large whiteboard or use oversized Post-it notes.

2. Word Cloud Exercise: Ask team members to rapidly contribute words that they feel embody the essence of your office. Encourage honesty and creativity.

3. Aim for Quantity: Your "Word Cloud" should include at least 20 words to capture a wide range of ideas.

4. Refine the List: Collaboratively filter out similar or less critical words until you have a list of approximately six core values that truly represent how you want your organization to feel.

Integrating Core Values into Every Facet of Your Office

Once you've established your core values, the next step is to weave them into the fabric of your practice.

1. Incorporate Them into SOPs

Your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should reflect your core values. For example, when writing SOPs, you might include statements like, "To align with our core value of Accuracy, we will ensure all data is double-checked before submission." This not only reinforces the importance of the core value but also provides clear guidance on expected behaviors.

2. Discuss Them in Meetings

Make core values a regular part of team discussions:

• Daily Huddles: Assign a "Core Value of the Week" and briefly highlight ways team members are demonstrating this value.

• Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly Meetings: Dive deeper into how these values are impacting your work and discuss ways to embody them even more fully.

3. Align Reviews and Compensation

Build your performance reviews and pay structures around your core values. As we've often said, "We don't pay based on experience; we pay based on value." Experience doesn't always equate to growth or skill improvement. By focusing on the value team members bring—gauged by their performance and demonstration of core values—you encourage continuous development and alignment with the company's mission.

The Impact of Living Your Core Values

By deeply embedding your core values into every aspect of your practice, you create a cohesive and motivated team. Employees feel more satisfied and connected when they see that the company's stated values are more than just words—they are actionable principles that guide everyday decisions and behaviors.

If you haven't established core values yet, or if it's time to revisit them, there's no better time than now. Engage your team in the process, integrate the values into your operations, and watch how it transforms your practice.