A team member strays from your company's core values. How will you address the discord?

When a team member strays from your company's core values, address the issue promptly and privately. Start by having a direct conversation to understand their perspective and the reasons behind their actions. Reaffirm the importance of the company’s core values and how they contribute to the overall mission. Discuss the impact of their behavior on the team and the organization, and set clear expectations for alignment moving forward. Offer support or resources to help them realign with the values, and monitor progress to ensure consistency.

Core values of a company are the behaviors which company is willing to inculcate into their employees and which are thought to be essential and must have for the individuals in the organization. We must not only understand the core values but also the spirit behind those values and why those are important. sometime, there are examples which needs to be associated along with values to make more clear.

Understanding your company’s core values is personal and fundamental to any team dynamic. In my experience, these values should be lived, not just listed. I once worked with a team where values were discussed openly and regularly, not just during onboarding but in our everyday actions. When a team member started to stray, it made me realize the importance of how these values are communicated. We had to have an honest conversation to ensure everyone truly understood what these values meant and why they were vital to our success. When your team knows and believes in these values, it becomes easier to address any discord that arises.

If an associate is deviating from the core values of the organization, then we must first of all understand the intent of the organization and the impact of the behavior showed by the employee. Is this an isolated behavior or generally observed in such situations. If the employee is confused and not clear about the value and behaving abruptly then that is separate issues and if the employee is doing that even after understanding the value knowingly then that is separate issue. we must isolate each and every occurrence and deal that separately.

When evaluating the impact of a team member straying from core values, it’s essential to take a step back and assess the bigger picture. I recall a situation where a colleague's actions didn’t align with our values, and at first, it seemed like a one-off mistake. However, by digging deeper, we discovered underlying issues within the team that needed to be addressed. It’s crucial to understand how their behavior impacts not just them, but the entire team’s morale and the work environment. This assessment helps you determine whether a simple conversation is enough or if more formal action is needed, always with the goal of guiding them back to the company’s values.

openly discussing the issue and understanding thought process of the employee should be starting step before moving on the track of actions.

Cuando un miembro del equipo se aleja de los valores fundamentales de la empresa, lo primero que hago es abrir un espacio para una conversación directa y sincera. Profundizo en la situación para entender las razones detrás de su comportamiento y escuchar su perspectiva. A partir de ahí, busco alinearlo nuevamente con los valores y objetivos de la empresa, ofreciendo oportunidades para corregir el rumbo. Mi enfoque es dar un espacio para la reflexión y el cambio, pero también asegurando que el compromiso con los principios de la empresa se mantenga firme.

Opening a dialogue with a team member when they stray from core values is something I’ve found to be both challenging and essential. In one instance, I approached a colleague privately to discuss some behavior that didn’t align with our values. Instead of pointing fingers, I shared specific examples and then listened to their side of the story. It turned out that there were underlying issues they were struggling with that had nothing to do with the company’s values. By making the conversation a two-way street, we were able to clear the air and refocus on what really mattered, guiding them back on track without causing further division.

After opening up the conversation, offering support is where the real progress happens. I’ve found that when a team member strays from core values, it’s not just about correcting them but about helping them realign. For instance, in a past situation, I paired a colleague with a mentor who embodied the values they were struggling with. We also provided targeted training that reinforced the importance of these principles. By showing them that the company is committed to their growth and success, we created an environment where they felt supported, not judged. This personalized approach made it easier for them to genuinely embrace and live by the company’s values again.

Monitoring progress after addressing an issue is key to ensuring long-term alignment with your company's values. In my experience, it’s not enough to have one conversation and hope for the best. I once worked with a team member who needed regular check-ins to stay on track. By observing their behavior over time and providing ongoing feedback—whether it was a quick note of praise or a gentle reminder when old habits crept back in—we were able to reinforce the importance of our core values. This consistent follow-up showed the entire team that we were serious about living our values, not just talking about them.

Reinforcing the company's culture and core values is something that should be woven into the fabric of your organization. I remember a time when we used a team member’s growth as a chance to spotlight our values across the entire company. We shared their journey during a company-wide meeting, celebrating how they had realigned with our core principles. It wasn’t just about one person; it was about showing everyone what it looks like to live by those values daily. Whether through meetings, emails, or even informal shout-outs, consistently promoting and celebrating these values helps create a culture where they are embraced by everyone.