What does it mean to live your values?
I treasure my morning coffee ritual, made more special by a gift a high-powered espresso machine for my new home. I had noticed sparks in the outlet from when I first plugged in the power cord. But I didn’t take it seriously, until one morning last week when an amber light appeared on the socket. I flipped the switch on the machine but there was no power. Using another socket, I was able to brew my coffee. But the dead socket weighed on my mind, especially as there had been 2 fire alarms in the building that morning. “Fire alarm on the 10th floor!” the Toronto Fire Services had announced over the intercom, and I decided not to run the risk of a fire alarm on the 9th floor.
The Property Manager emailed me the names of 2 electricians. Jim, the first one I called, was pleasant and helpful. He diagnosed right away that the socket probably needed to be changed and he could pass by that evening and do so for about $200.00. Problem solved. I was happy at how easy this was. Then I thought that perhaps I should call the other name to get a second quote. I dialled but hung up after 2 or 3 rings, thinking that I had already arranged with Jim, so why make it more complicated.
10 minutes later, my phone rang, and an unknown number popped up on the screen. It was Adrian, the 2nd name on the list. Like Jim, he diagnosed that the socket probably needed to be changed. Then he said:
“But I could have you do a test to determine if the problem really is the socket as it could be the machine. Might save you about $200.00. If it’s the machine, then you should immediately throw it in the garbage”.
“I’ll check it right now,” I squeaked, panicked by the thought of throwing my Porsche of a machine into the garbage. “Please just walk me through it.”
Adrian explained each step, waiting whilst I moved the machine to other plugs, pressed buttons as he directed, and asked basic questions. After about 10 minutes, he asked me to plug the machine into the socket and turn it on. I flipped the switch. No sparks. No red light. Just the green light on the machine indicating the power had returned to the socket! Delirious with joy, I thanked him profusely, grateful that my problem was solved, I had gained some knowledge, I didn’t have to wait that evening for the electrician, and I saved $200.00!
Adrian lost a $200.00 sale, but he gained a customer. He could easily have come and replaced the socket, and I, knowing nothing about electrical matters, would have been just as happy. I would be very surprised to learn that he is not a man of high integrity. He demonstrated this in his actions. In the work I do helping leadership teams to define, articulate and live their core values, actions are where the rubber hits the road – where the values on the wall become the values in the heart, demonstrated, not merely spoken.
Some questions for you:
- How do you demonstrate your organisation’s core values on a daily basis?
- What are some of the trade-offs you make to live your organisation’s core values?
- By your actions, are your core values obvious?
Core values aren’t core unless they are lived.
As always insightful, uplifting and inspiring.
Thank you Michael. So much happens in our daily lives from which we can draw meaning and inspiration – and great lessons! We just need to be aware …
Gratefully and joyfully
Marguerite
Very insightful as usual Marguerite – thank you so much for sharing. I was at a vision party earlier this year and inspirational music and talks were playing on the sound system as we created our vision boards. One of them was a talk by Oprah during which she said ‘let excellence be your brand’. I think that’s what Adrian did and as you said he gained a customer. Excellence and integrity are 2 of the core values at my workplace that I try to integrate into all actions big or small – reading your blog today is a reminder of the impact living those core values can have on others.
Thank you Sarah. I wonder if Adrian was even thinking about his “brand” … but when your values are truly core, they are just how you behave without even thinking. It’s who you are … like breathing … it happens automatically, without thought.
Gratefully and joyfully
Marguerite