.webp)
Recently, David Allison spoke at the TIA Yukon COMPASS conference in Whitehorse and revealed the results of a Valuegraphic Study that identified the shared values of the people of the Yukon. He wrote this article based on those research findings.
Running a business in the Yukon means you’re familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities in this part of the world. And you know that attracting and keeping top talent can sometimes feel like spotting the Northern Lights on a cloudy night — possible, but tricky. That’s why I’m writing this article to tell you about a fresh approach rooted in our shared human values.
In a recent keynote at the TIA Yukon COMPASS conference, I unpacked the three "Power Values" that resonate deeply with Yukoners, identified using an extensive survey process and rigorous statistical analysis. Why do we focus on values? Values drive everything people do, including choosing where to live, where to work, and how to lead their lives.
Let’s unpack how these three values can help you build an engaging workplace culture that attracts and retains the best talent. Consider these as “thought-starter” ideas, and use them as a jumping-off point to develop your own strategies that work for your unique situation.
1. The Value of Community: Passion Pods
In the Yukon, the sense of community isn't just nice to have — it's essential for survival and happiness. Of all the definitions in the Valuegraphics Database for Community, the one that sticks out in this part of the world is about being part of an identifiable group, like those united around common interests, for example. How can you use that insight? That’s where “Passion Pods” come into play. Instead of organizing people at work into groups based on skills, seniority, or tasks, why not organize around things people are interested in? There might be a cross-departmental group into books, another that shares a love of cycling, or a group that volunteers at the same not-for-profit. Such groups do more than just bring people together — they create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. It’s about using shared interests to enhance the shared value of Community in a uniquely Yukon way.
2. Experiences: The Experience Accelerator Fund
Yukoners place a high value on experiences, choosing to live where the wilderness is on the doorstep. How about bringing this value into your workplace with something I call "The Experience Accelerator Fund"? This initiative could be a matching-funds plan where employees save for a dream experience — say, competing in the Iditarod dog sled race or tackling the Chilkoot Trail — with the company pitching in to make it happen. This shows people that you care about them and aligns with the powerful shared value of Experiences.
3. Harmony: Life Chords Culture
The data we’ve collected for the Yukon's population shows that the very rare value of Harmony is hugely important compared to the rest of the country. This isn’t just about getting along — the specific meaning behind that value in the Yukon is about people feeling at peace with other people because they are at peace with themselves. This is where the idea of "Life Chords Culture" might help.
Think of a chord on the piano; each note is different, but together, they make something more beautiful. Now, think of a “life chord” as a harmony of different aspects of life — professional, personal, mental, spiritual, physical, and so on. By supporting these various 'notes', you can help employees tune their life chords into something harmonious and beautiful. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Maybe bring in a nutritionist to consult on healthy snacks and teach a cooking class on healthy meal prep. Maybe a financial services professional can help people set up personal budgets. What about a weekly yoga class together? What other workshops, retreats, and programs could you offer? Building a “Life Chord Culture” doesn’t just reduce workplace stress; it shows employees that their whole selves are valued and supported.
Creating Your Own Ideas
These ideas are just thought starters to ignite your creativity. Whether by fostering Community, enriching Experiences, or nurturing Harmony, you can use these core values to devise strategies that resonate deeply with your team.
Values are the answer. Let’s put them to work.
#values #keynotespeaker #workplaceculture #employeeengagement #retention #valuesdriven #valuegraphics #humancentric #data #culture #engagement
Want to know What Matters Most to the people you need to inspire?
Download free guides and resources.
Find out why people call David “The Values Guy.”
Search the blog library for ways to put values to work for you.
