Tea with Linda - DILIGENCE
Tea with Linda - DILIGENCE
Linda Kavelin Popov, Co-Founder of TVP, June 2024.
One of the best ways to practice diligence is to continually seek excellence in the face of change. There was a lively discussion in the Virtues Project Facilitator Exchange about using the Five Virtues Strategies in organizations. Over the years I’ve seen how the virtues and strategies apply to every sector and situation. Here is a glimpse of how they work at work.
Speaking the Language of Virtues is key to sustaining the self-esteem, commitment and motivation of employees and stakeholders. Everyone longs for appreciation on the job. ACT with Tact positivity sandwich (Acknowledge, Correct, and Thank) in performance reviews builds morale and loyalty. Until learning this tool, many managers avoided even giving feedback or evaluations for fear of offending, hurting or even losing employees. For the organization itself to stay vibrant and focused on its mission, honesty and mindfulness of its own strength and growth virtues is essential. A construction company had many successful projects and unified comradery. “We work hard and play hard” was their motto. However high their morale, my assessment showed a false sense of invulnerability. Top management continually ignored the warnings of their accounting department about financial instability, and soon after had to declare bankruptcy.
Recognizing Teachable Moments: Just as individuals are personally called to honest, humble self-examination while avoiding the “shame and blame game,” organizations require constant diligence in reading their reality and choosing to evolve while holding steadfastly to their vision. Change is the only constant in today’s world. A business consultant and new facilitator once asked me what model of management the founders were using. I laughed and told him we didn’t start out with a particular model other than to listen, listen, listen to our global community. We soon learned that the Project cannot be dictated to from a central source but is regional in nature. A culture of unity in diversity, freedom within boundaries soon evolved. Any attempts at central or excessive authority failed. The Project has its own life and we found it to be a powerful teacher. At our global mentorship conferences, the facilitators mentor one another, sharing best practices, continually refreshing awareness of the many ways the Project can be applied.
Setting Clear Boundaries: Based on Restorative Justice, boundaries bring clarity and a sense of freedom. Boundaries show us how far to take that freedom and restorative justice practices effectively resolve conflict. A balance of justice and trust is essential for our community to sustain its diverse expressions of creativity. Only clear, simple policies work. I learned early that the NGOs around the world resisted micromanaging. They did appreciate guidelines. Sometimes there needs to be pruning of the tree as well, to keep it healthy. Due diligence means scrupulous examination of the character and experience of a potential partner, board member or even client. I said to a lumber company who wanted to adopt TVP in all departments, “I appreciate your enthusiasm. Let’s use due diligence to see if The Virtues Project fits your corporate culture. Let’s get engaged before we get married.” The pilot was highly successful, and we worked together for years.
Honoring the Spirit of an organization means discerning and supporting a culture that reflects their specific vision and values. Leadership, whether an executive or a board, needs to lead by example. Walking their talk brings a spirit of authenticity to the relationship with their people. This strategy includes rituals and routines – such as regular virtues picks at the start of meetings. A restaurant that holds weekly staff virtues circles reports that morale has risen dramatically.
Offering Spiritual Companioning is part of “walk around management.” Leaders listen, listen, listen to their stakeholders, employees, and those they serve. Consultation in a spirit of openness to everyone’s truth has been a hallmark of TVP. Asking questions is one of the best ways to keep an organization adaptive and alive. In sales, companioning is key. People like to buy, they don’t like to be sold. This is a small peek at the simple power of Virtues Strategies to uplift the virtues of any organization, from a family to an international corporation.