Are Values Overrated at Work? Discover How a Results-Driven Approach Could Revolutionize Your Business

Today's business landscape is inundated with articles and posts on the importance of workplace values like empathy and psychological safety. Just this weekend, I skimmed through an article from Forbes titled "4 values that make you more productive at work." 

I considered writing yet another piece on these cherished workplace values. 

But…I decided to try something different.

What if these widely celebrated values are holding your company back?

It's a bit controversial, but in today's hyper-competitive business environment, don’t results matter the most?

And here's the kicker - what if focusing solely on results could lead to more innovation and productivity than all those feel-good values combined? Sounds crazy, right? But hear me out.

I will explain why a ruthlessly results-driven approach might unlock unprecedented success for your organization. Buckle up - this isn't your typical workplace advice.

The Case for Strict Meritocracy

Imagine a workplace where your performance is the only thing that matters. There are no office politics or "cultural fit" debates – just pure, unadulterated results. That's the essence of strict meritocracy, and it's got some compelling arguments:

1. Results-Driven Focus: When decisions are based on outcomes, people are motivated to bring their A-game daily. It's like being in a constant state of friendly competition with your colleagues.

Personal insight: Ironically, I left the military seeking a results-driven environment, only to find many large corporations plagued by the same bureaucratic inefficiencies. This underscores that more than simply being in the private sector is needed; companies must actively cultivate a performance-oriented culture to reap the benefits of a results-driven focus.

2. No More Coasting: Ever worked with someone great at playing office politics but could have done better at their actual job? In a meritocracy, there's no hiding behind buzzwords or brown-nosing. It's all about what you bring to the table.
3. Crystal Clear Expectations: With strict meritocracy, there's clarity about success. You either hit your targets or you don't. It's refreshingly simple.

But Wait, What About Our Precious Values?

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But what about empathy? What about psychological safety?" These are valid concerns, and I'm not suggesting we throw the baby out with the bathwater. However, it's worth considering some potential downsides of overemphasizing values:

1. The Mediocrity Trap: We risk tolerating underperformance when we focus too much on creating a "nice" environment. It's like your one friend who's always late – you must draw the line at some point.
2. The Echo Chamber Effect: Emphasizing specific values can lead to a workplace where everyone thinks alike. And let's be honest, that's not exactly a recipe for innovation.

Finding the Sweet Spot

So, how do we balance the drive for results with the need for a positive workplace culture? Here are a few ideas:

1. Mix It Up: Combine hard performance metrics with evaluations of how well people embody your company's values. It's like a workplace smoothie – a bit of everything for a balanced outcome.
2. Healthy Competition: Encourage people to strive for excellence and recognize and reward teamwork. It's not about crushing your colleagues but pushing each other to new heights.
3. Talk It Out: Be transparent about the importance of both results and values. Help your team understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
4. Keep the Feedback Coming: Regular check-ins on performance and values help everyone stay on track and continuously improve.

The Bottom Line

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution (in most cases, there never is). 

So…you must find the right balance between results-driven meritocracy and values-based approaches for your organization. 

Is it time to shake things up in your workplace? Challenge the status quo and find your perfect balance. 

While this might not be feasible in every corporate environment, knowing there are alternatives can be eye-opening.

Whatever you choose, ensure it drives results and creates an environment where people thrive. Build the workplace of the future - your employees (and bottom line) will thank you.

Remember, I'm just a dumb Marine who somehow stumbled into building successful teams and making my company boatloads of money. Who knew following orders could be so profitable? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this – especially if you disagree. After all, I could be wrong... but I'm probably not.

Now, go out there and crush it!