Recently, David Allison spoke at a Leadership Forum for a large union and revealed the results of a study that identified the shared values of their membership. He wrote this article based on those research findings. To respect the privacy of this union, this article does not reference which union or the part of the world where this keynote – and the research study it was based on – took place.
Union leaders face the challenge of fostering strong bonds and leading effectively amidst the enormous pressures of the industry they work. One key to success? Understanding and leveraging the core human values union members share, as discussed in a recent keynote speech I delivered at the Leadership Forum for a large and thriving union.
Through a rigorous study by the Valuegraphics Research Company, we profiled members of this union to discover the shared values that motivate them. This wasn't about age, gender, or tenure, but about who they truly are deep inside their heart. We discovered that union members are aligned around three powerful shared values, which I call The Power Values: Compassion, Loyalty, and Service to Others.
Every value means different things to different people, of course, so as we discuss these three Power Values, I'll touch on their meaning for the people we’ve profiled in this study. In each case, I'll give just one example of how union leaders might use these insights to create stronger bonds and more meaningful connections. These ideas might only work for some, but I hope they inspire you to think about similar things that could be done.
1. Compassion: Shared Struggles are Strength
Compassion is a word often associated with the work of the members of this union, yet its true meaning is often overlooked. According to the data we’ve collected, for these union members, compassion isn’t just about empathy; it's about actively engaging in the struggles and triumphs of others. To harness this value and its specific meaning, I’ve come up with a catchphrase: "Shared Struggles are Strength." This catchphrase is meant as a reminder to find every way possible to transform abstract notions of compassion into concrete, relatable stories. By recognizing and vocalizing the everyday challenges union members face to provide compassionate care, union leaders can forge stronger connections and foster a supportive environment. At every opportunity, be it in a meeting, an email, or a casual conversation, union leaders who celebrate and address real-world struggles will make compassion a tangible thread in the fabric of the workplace culture.
2. Loyalty: The A.R.T. of Leadership
Our research has identified that the value of loyalty is hugely important to members of this union, and that it has a unique definition: it’s specifically about loyalty based on authority, respect, and trust. Union members are the authority on what they do, have mutual respect for one another, and are trusted: these principles underpin the value of Loyalty. It’s why these union members are so loyal and value loyalty in all its forms. To make this easy to remember, I've called it the A.R.T. Protocol (authority, respect, trust). Ferreting out and emphasizing these three elements in daily interactions and communications will help strengthen relationships, enhance teamwork, and leverage the shared value of loyalty.
3. Service to Others: Extra-Mile Heroes
Service to Others, an incredibly rare value amongst the general population, scores very high for members of this union. And according to the data from our study, the specific definition is about going well beyond the expected. A good way to remember this concept is to use the term "Extra Mile Heroes." It's meant as a reminder to spotlight and celebrate those moments when union members go beyond their call of duty. Telling stories about these instances can inspire others and highlight the profound impact of dedicated service. Recognizing such actions boosts morale and reinforces the value of service deeply embedded in this profession.
Understanding and applying these values can be significant as union leaders work to engage with union members. By embedding Compassion, Loyalty, and Service to Others into the core of leadership practices, union leaders can inspire, motivate, and engage union members in deeply resonant ways.
Values are the answer. Let’s put them to work.
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