The Values Institute.
Founded in 2009, The Values Institute (TVI) is a non-profit research think tank whose mission is studying and communicating the powerful role that values play in building trusting, sustainable interpersonal relationships. The Institute is powered by credentialed social scientists in collaboration with real-world experienced professionals to examine the inner workings of relationship building that develops trust.
This learning model serves as the foundational underpinning of The Higher Ground Life movement. Working in close partnership, TVI continues its search for more groundbreaking discoveries to grow a new generation of Conscientious Altruists.
Values Matter.
After pouring over decades of work done in the field of personal relationships we found that the common threads running through all the research were the concepts of “shared values” and “trust.”
Further, we discovered that at the root of all successful relationships are five values dimensions that we call the 5Cs.
Competence.
Competence measures the ability to deliver on what you say. From a corporate perspective, can your company achieve what it promises to its employees and customers? Are employees trained and capable of providing what customers expect? It may seem like a given but there are plenty examples of companies with big dreams who struggle at this basic level. Without competence it is impossible to wade into the deeper waters of meaningful relationship building.
Consistency.
Consistency answers the question, “am I dependable?” You can’t measure trust episodically. If you, or a co-worker is inconsistent, those around you tend to withdraw from the relationship rather than draw closer. In many corporate environments, competent employees’ performance can be stymied, by an ineffective structure. Antiquated customer relationship tools or outdated IT systems can directly contradict well-meaning, competent employees.
Candor.
Are you honest? Are your communications transparent? From a brand perspective, candor is the measure of how the public perceives the genuineness and openness of an organization. A lack of communication creates uneasiness between leaders and employees. Authenticity is now a demand among a discerning public. Inauthentic brands, much like inauthentic people find themselves on the outside of relationships looking in.
Concern.
Concern is a measure of how you demonstrate that you care. It’s one thing to be competent and consistent in your performance, but if you don’t take time to show you care about others you’ll fall short in cementing meaningful relationships. By clearly focusing on relationships and human needs more than the bottom line, a business has the opportunity to leverage its values in new and meaningful ways.
Connection.
The potent combination of rational and emotive trust factors build up to the one dimension of self-actualization which requires the participation of both parties in a relationship. It is the measure of how well you, as an individual or your company identifies with the relationships you value most. If your employees feel deeply connected to your organization, they will remain loyal over time. The same applies to your customers as well. The most potent relationships are those that are authentically built on a foundation of shared common values aligned so tightly that they become indistinguishable from one another.