Standing for Something
creed noun: a set of fundamental beliefs
~Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary
Terry Johnson, a former Green Beret, now motivational speaker, introduced me to the power of having a creed. He had memorized the Green Beret Creed back in his days in the service and recited it word for word to our staff when he came to speak. It was powerful. It gave me goosebumps.
Each United States Military special forces unit has a creed. So do faith-based organizations and universities. Creeds have become popularized within businesses large and small. But what exactly is a creed and why should we focus employee time and energy on developing one?
“If we don’t stand for something, we will fall for anything.”
~Irene Dunne on America’s Town Meeting of the Air, July 1945
A creed is a set of fundamental beliefs and serves as a focused reminder of who, what and how we, our faith, or our organization operates on a day-to-day basis. In times of high stress, in the face of challenges sometimes so big they seem unconquerable, or even at the end of a long day when exhaustion has stripped us of the strength needed to be kind, helpful or thorough – that’s when we need a creed. When things get tough it is hard to remember why we do what we do and how we should do it. Okay, so it helps us get through the tough times, but we might ask again, why should WE have a creed? Isn’t good, ethical conduct displayed by each individual employee enough?
Unity, culture and alignment are all benefits of a well-versed and applicable creed. A creed can help define the culture, direction and beliefs of the organization. It gives clarity to what the organization stands for, wants to be known for and how they plan to live out their days. If it is a creed developed with employee input, the language is understandable and clear, lessening any ambiguity or confusion about what we are committing to do day-to-day.
Although a creed can be beneficial, it can also be useless if not done correctly. I believe the more input employees can have in what the creed says, the more powerful it is. Allowing the front-line employees to participate helps transfer ownership deeper into the organization. It gives a clearer picture to what is important, the way the organization conducts itself and what it holds to be important.
Years ago, when I helped facilitate my first creed, I was unaware of the subtle transformation it would have on our team in the coming years. As we continue to use the creed in our day-to-day operations, it gives us a simple path for each person’s role and how they are expected to perform. Creating a unique experience for our staff, by developing and reciting the creed, has developed a deeper belief in the purpose of our organization and how we aspire to do our work. As the leader, I embraced the creed and felt the way it transformed the way I worked and how I viewed my role in the organization. My purpose and passion grew as our values became clearer.
Consider a creed, for your team. It may be the missing piece that transforms your culture.
Keep cultivating your greatness.
Jeff
