Value Stories Collection
This method involves collecting and sharing stories that exemplify the team's or organization's values, making those values more tangible and memorable. By connecting values to specific behaviors, it helps to reinforce the desired culture.
Use this method when you want to bring your team's values to life, reinforce desired behaviors, and create a stronger sense of shared culture. It's particularly useful after defining core values to help embed them in daily practices.
Solves: Abstract values that are not reflected in daily behavior, disconnect between espoused values and actual practices, difficulty understanding what values mean in practice.
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Step 1: Introduce the concept of value stories and explain how they can help bring values to life. (5 min)
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Step 2: Individually, have each participant reflect on past behaviors that exemplify the team's or organization's values. Encourage them to write down specific stories. (20 min)
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Step 3: In small groups (3-5 people), have participants share their stories. (45-60 min)
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Step 4: As a whole team, discuss the stories and identify common themes and patterns. (30 min)
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Step 5: (Optional) Compile the stories into a 'culture book' or other format for sharing and reference.
- Create a safe and supportive environment for sharing stories.
- Encourage participants to be specific and detailed in their stories.
- Help the team identify the values that are being exemplified in each story.
- Consider using prompts or questions to help participants generate stories.
- Use visual aids (e.g., photos, videos) to enhance the stories.
- Invite external stakeholders to share stories about the team or organization.
- Create a storytelling contest or award to recognize individuals who exemplify the values.