The knowledge: find out what you stand for

Discerning a set of organisational values can be a helpful way of building a sense of identity and staff cohesion. Just Recruitment Founder and Managing Director Jenny Wrightson shares tips on how to do it.

Values can’t be imposed on a workforce. They have to grow organically from what people perceive to be the character of the organisation. If you’re developing a values statement, it pays to be as consultative as possible.

    It’s great to let your customers know what you stand for. But you need to deliver against that vision.  

Every organisation needs something to live up to. While values tend to emerge from what people think about their corporate identity, they function best if they have an aspirational element. They should set standards of behaviour that help people aim high. That’s the way to build a positive workplace culture.

Empty words don’t compel action. A clever PR consultant can develop a values statement in five minutes. But it won’t resonate with the workforce unless it rings true. Better to have a set of values that are messy, and don’t permit easy expression, than a set that your people don’t believe in.

People need space to understand who they are. If you’re serious about developing a set of organisational values, give your people the time they need to do it properly. Take them out of the office to think. Give them a change of scenery. Buy some decent coffee and cakes. Set up the right conditions at the start of the enterprise, and you’ll be far more likely to reap the rewards.

Values help motivate your team by giving them a shared sense of purpose. If you know what you’re working towards, and what your employer stands for, you’re far more likely to give your best. That’s why values play such an important role in staff motivation.

Reminders are helpful, but don’t go overboard. Once you have your values distilled into some kind of statement, it’s worth sharing it throughout the organisation. Post it in the staff room or give people laminated cards to stick up near their desks. When they need a reminder of what they’re working for, they’ll have it readily to hand.

Don’t become complacent. A values exercise isn’t something to be done once then forgotten. You should revisit your values regularly, at least every three years. Be honest if you don’t think they’re accurate. Let your staff refine them. Every business changes. So why should your values stay fixed in time?

Build your customer offer around your values. It’s great to let your customers know what you stand for. But you need to deliver against that vision. With your values in place, you need to embody them throughout your organisation.

An objective eye can make all the difference. Sometimes it is hard to see the wood for the trees. By bringing in an external consultant or adviser, you’ll get a fresh perspective on your business. That will help you refine your self-understanding – though you need to be prepared to hear some hard truths if the process is to be truly worthwhile. 

Nobody’s perfect. So why should your business be any different? Don’t plan to fail. But do be realistic about what you can achieve. You may fall short of the ideals you set out in your values statement. But that only makes it all the more important to have one. Then at least you have a way of measuring performance.

Don’t forget the bottom line. Values are one of the means by which you optimise business performance. Don’t let them become a distraction. They’re a business tool: a way of saying “this is who we are” and “this is what we want to achieve”. 

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

Published: 18 December 2019

If you liked this article you may like to read: Keeping pace with a fast-moving industry

You may also like to read: Ten ways for an employer to engage their employees

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Electronics Hardware Design Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Gillingham, Kent
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913590
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks an experienced Electronics Hardware Design Engineer for a company based in Gillingham, Kent.

This role will involve working within the Electronics Engineering team, developing electronic designs to fulfil customer and legislative requirements in a challenging context of high-volume manufacturing, high quality, and harsh environments.

You will be working on Electronic Control Unit products for use in the company’s current portfolio and for its future propulsion systems.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Develop new electronics designs for ECU.
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  • Prepare product designs to meet internal and customer requirements.
  • Develop complete schematics, Bill of Material and other technical documentation.
  • Develop worst-case analysis for each requirement.
  • Create and maintain Electrical DFMEA.
  • Apply BOD, BOP and defined engineering standards procedures and methodologies to execute project activities.
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  • Ensure reports and presentations include clear analysis and summaries for decision-making.
  • Execute tasks required to meet project objectives (cost, quality and timing).
  • Escalate risks and issues to core team members and management in a timely manner.
  • Apply problem-solving in the execution of project activities.
  • Ensure that designs meet cost targets, manufacturability requirements and EOL recycling targets.

Skills required:

Mandatory

  • Proven electronics design experience.
  • Experienced with Functional Safety ISO26262 and FMEDA.
  • Experience with Electrical DFMEA.
  • Experience with effective problem-solving methodologies.
  • Software tools: MS Office, ECAD programs (XPedition Enterprises preferred), Simulation tools.
  • Fluent in English speaking and writing.

Experience and qualifications required:

  • University Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or suitable equivalent qualification and experience.
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This role offers excellent benefits including a generous relocation allowance.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Salary: £16.00 - £18.00 per hour
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The role:

As Paint Shop Supervisor, you’ll be leading a small team of 4 skilled professionals, working together to prepare steel trailers for painting to the highest standards. Your responsibilities will include:

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Requirements include:

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If you’re passionate about quality work and leading by example, this is a great opportunity to join a company that values hard work, safety, and team success!

 

Just Temps acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Information Technology
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Just Recruitment is delighted to support a growing organisation based on the outskirts of Ipswich that is looking for an experienced and motivated 3rd Line Support Engineer to join their team.

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Qualifications required:

  • Expert-level knowledge of operating systems including Windows and MacOS.
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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Salary: £30,000 per annum
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Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm — or can be flexible and can offer 4 day week. 1 hour lunch break.

Free parking is available on-site.

Due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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