In an organization it is essential to be consistent between what is said and what is done.
It involves aligning the values that represent the company and the day-to-day actions.
When there is no congruence, trust wears thin and people leave.
Inconsistency can destroy an institution’s or company’s reputation, and rebuilding it could be an almost impossible task.
Are they lying?
A well-known example is Enron, this American energy company was full of corrupt practices and financial irregularities.
While he preached ethics and integrity, his managers were involved in fraudulent activities that led him to lose his position.
The lack of clarity in its public discourse and its internal actions damaged the company, affecting employees, shareholders and the market in general.
Volkswagen, once known for its quality and reliability, was caught manipulating data on pollutant gas emissions in its vehicles.
Although it had an image of sustainability, its internal actions were contradictory. This inconsistency caused a crisis of confidence and led to costly sanctions.
Uber, during its brief growth, the company presented an image of innovation and revolution in the field of transportation, presenting itself as a modern and innovative option to traditional cab services.
However, behind this facade, the organization faced serious obstacles related to internal culture and ethical strategies.
In 2017, a series of revelations rocked Uber, revealing a toxic work environment and issues of harassment and discrimination.
The difference between stated values and actual shares had disastrous consequences.
Five tips
1. Define and communicate the philosophy and values clearly.
It is important that the company’s values are clearly defined and understandable to everyone, from employees to customers. Communicate them consistently and make sure they are an integral part of the company’s culture.
2. Implement consistent policies and practices
The stated values should be reflected in the company’s policies and practices. If the company values sustainability, for example, it adopts sustainable practices throughout the organization. Consistency is essential to avoid inconsistency.
3. Train people in ethics and transparency
A consistent company requires employees who understand the importance of ethics and transparency. It guides employees to make decisions aligned with the company’s values and philosophy.
4. Establish control and follow-up mechanisms
It is essential to have control mechanisms in place to detect and correct possible inconsistencies. Establish auditing and monitoring systems to ensure that the company is aligned with its philosophy.
5. Encourage open communication and feedback.
When there is no open communication, the results are often poor. It is essential to foster an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns and offering feedback or timely solutions to situations in the company. This helps identify problems before they escalate into a crisis.
Inconsistency can have devastating effects on a company. From loss of customer confidence to total collapse, the consequences can be catastrophic.
However, with clear values, consistent policies and a culture of open communication, companies can avoid these pitfalls and maintain the trust of their customers and employees.
The key is to align what you say with what you do.
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