Embedding Your Values in Your Communications
Many social good organizations and companies have values statements that aim to guide their work and signal to supporters and customers what they stand for.
These statements are posted prominently on their websites, included in annual reports and publications, and displayed in their offices.
But when you look closely at an organization’s day-to-day communications and interactions, their actions aren’t always aligned with what they say they value.
It’s one thing to say your core values include respect, equity, or humility. It’s quite another to show it through your words and actions.
And when your stated values are not reflected in your communications, it hurts your credibility and your brand.
Assess Your Communications
That’s why it’s important to take a step back and assess whether your communications truly reflect your values.
Audit your social media posts, your email communications, annual report, and website.
Assess your tone, calls to action, and imagery.
Determine whether you’re showing up as an organization that just wants to make a sale or land a big donation — or whether you’re truly walking the talk.
Most likely, you’re getting it right at least some of the time.
But if you are missing the mark consistently, it may be worth assessing if the values you have stated truly reflect your mission and beliefs.
Consistency and Discipline
Embedding your values into your communications can’t be a part-time endeavor. It requires consistency and discipline.
The organizations that do this well do it all the time.
They have a consistent tone and voice and they routinely put the focus on the people they’re serving rather than themselves.
It may seem like they’ve found a secret recipe.
But it’s really no secret.
It’s about knowing what you stand for — and making sure you’re consistently showing it in your words and deeds.
When you do this, you can communicate with authenticity and conviction.
And you build the trust and confidence that can lead to extraordinary results.
