Turn core values into core competencies… no seriously.

by Oct 5, 2017

I am still surprised every time I give a speech at a conference, and someone raises their hand to ask me if they can discipline someone for poor behavior. After all, something like workplace bullying isn’t illegal.

I am surprised by this question because, being late, not showing up to work without a call-in, or failing on job duties also aren’t illegal, yet many people are disciplined and even fired for these transgressions every day of the year.

Why are we so hesitant to manage behavior? I don’t get it.

Performance happens because of the way someone behaves. They are one in the same, so you can and should use your performance management system to manage behavior.

One way to do that is to turn your core values into core competencies.

A core competency is a defined set of knowledge, skills and abilities that distinguish one person from the next.

Let’s say, for example, that your chili hot dog stand’s three core values are: Service, Quality, and Fun. You can hold people accountable to these core values through your performance management system, by turning those values into core competencies.

By making them competencies in your performance system, you are saying that one must be competent in those three areas in order to work at your chili hot dog stand.

So your job descriptions, and your quarterly performance evaluations, will include the following core competencies:

  • Service: Provides excellent service to customers and peers, even in stressful situations; quickly and effectively solves problems; presents a positive friendly manner with customers.
  • Quality: Always goes the “extra mile” to complete work; self-starter; work does not need to be redone; it is clear a strong effort goes into tasks.
  • Fun: Always perceived to be in a good mood; clearly enjoys others; engages peers and customers in conversation; regularly seen with a smile.

See, it’s easy.

Now you can interview for these competencies when filling positions, hold people accountable to them via rewards and performance, hold managers accountable to ensuring their team’s are competent in these areas, and developing training programs around them.

If you’d like some more quick and tactical tips on creating a positive work environment, I am excited to announce that I am launching a new, free webinar, The Workplace Culture Makeover Masterclass: Transform culture, get bottom line results. I have applied my long years of work, time and research in HR and positive work environments to this course, so it is definitely a labor of love that I am very proud of!

I am hosting the free webinar on October 26, and again on October 27, at 10 am PST. So claim your spot for either one, and I look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,
Catherine

About Catherine Mattice

Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is President of consulting and training firm, Civility Partners, and has been successfully providing programs in workplace bullying and building positive workplaces since 2007. Her clients include Fortune 500’s, the military, several universities and hospitals, government agencies, small businesses and nonprofits. She has published in a variety of trade magazines and has appeared several times on NPR, FOX, NBC, and ABC as an expert, as well as in USA Today, Inc Magazine, Huffington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more. Catherine is Past-President of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), San Diego Chapter and teaches at National University. In his book foreword, Ken Blanchard called her book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.” She recently released a second book entitled, SEEKING CIVILITY: How Leaders, Managers and HR Can Create a Workplace Free of Bullying.

How the Lack of Training Affects your Organization

The workforce is the heart of any thriving company. However, without proper training, employees may find themselves ill-equipped to meet the demands of their roles effectively.  Millennials think learning and growing are important reasons for joining a new company....

Why it’s Getting Harder for Some Women to Report Harassment

The United Nations Women found that about 1 in every 3 women has been sexually harassed at work. 3 out of 4 of them never report it to a manager, HR or anyone else. Imagine a world where every woman is treated with the respect and dignity she deserves. Unfortunately,...

How Companies Can Support Single Parents

Single parents face increased pressure as they balance full-time employment with the responsibility of caring for their children. This heightened pressure comes from various factors, such as economic challenges, limited support systems, and the need to provide for...

Why Your Reward System For Employees Can Fail Badly

Last week marked the celebration of Employee Appreciation Day! During this special time, many companies express their gratitude to their workforce, and one common way they do it is by giving out rewards.  Reward systems are a crucial aspect of employee motivation and...

Can a Wage Increase Make Employees More Productive?

In California, the upcoming minimum wage boost for fast food workers to $20 starting April 1st has ignited discussions about its potential influence on worker productivity.  Currently, the median hourly wage for fast-food workers in the U.S. is $13.43, while in...

Why Every Leader Needs to Worry About Toxic Work Culture

Employees quit their jobs for different reasons, and a major one is because of a toxic workplace environment. In fact, researchers discovered that between April and September 2021, toxic culture was the main reason why employees decided to leave their jobs. A toxic...

Civility Partners at 15 Years!

2024 marks an incredible milestone for us—our 15th-anniversary celebration! Yes, you read that right—15 years of making a positive impact on over 270 organizations served, thousands of employees, and millions of people worldwide! Thanks to the vision of our founder...

Driving Organizational Success Through Behavior Change

How can you make your workplace more exciting and successful?  Organizational success is not solely dependent on strategies or cutting-edge technologies. Instead, the key driver of success lies within the organization itself—specifically, within the collective...

How Much is Your Culture Costing You?

Creating a positive workplace culture isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a key player in the success of any business. It goes beyond token gestures like wellness days and promotions; it's fundamentally about how you treat your people, the support you extend to your team,...

Are you bamboozled by your company’s culture?

Your first day at a new job is a lot like embarking on an adventure. You step through the doors, eager and optimistic, your mind filled with expectations set by the promises of the company’s values and mission. For some, these principles are more than just words on a...