An action statement in the context of business is a concise, powerful declaration that outlines specific actions or behaviours that a company expects from its employees. It serves as a guiding principle for decision-making and behaviour across all levels of the organization. Action statements are characterized by their clarity, specificity, and actionable nature. Action statements include a three-pillared approach.
An example of some pillars in an action statement could be:
- Customer Focus: "Deliver exceptional service experiences by going above and beyond customer expectations."
- Innovation: "Continuously seek innovative solutions to improve processes and products."
- Integrity: "Act with honesty and transparency in all business dealings."
These statements are not merely words on a poster; they are actionable guidelines that shape how employees interact with customers, innovate within their roles, and uphold ethical standards.
The Action Statement might sound a lot like Core Values, but here are some differences:
- Core Values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide a company’s culture and decision-making. They represent the soul of the organization and often remain relatively unchanged over time.
- Action Statements: In contrast, action statements are more dynamic and operational. They translate core values into specific behaviours and outcomes that employees can actively pursue and achieve.
Why are action statements important?
- Alignment: They ensure that everyone in the organization understands the expected behaviours and goals.
- Accountability: They provide a basis for evaluating performance and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
- Execution: They translate strategic intentions into practical steps, driving results.
The Three Pillars of B4 Networks’ Action Statement are Lead, Guide, and Steer:
- Lead: Leading involves taking charge with knowledge, confidence, consideration, and preparedness. It means being proactive and setting an example for others to follow.
- Guide: Guiding requires empathy, reassurance, listening, communication, and trust. It entails understanding others' needs and providing support and direction accordingly.
- Steer: Steering is about being relentless and invested in the outcome. It means going the extra mile when necessary, pushing through challenges, and ensuring goals are achieved.
Crafting Your Action Statement
Now, let's combine these pillars to create a meaningful action statement: "Be Their Compass."
- Lead with knowledge, confidence, consideration, and preparedness.
- Guide with empathy, reassurance, listening, communication, and trust.
- Steer relentlessly, be truly invested in the outcome, and don't hesitate to go the extra mile.
An action statement like "Be Their Compass" encapsulates a commitment to leadership, guidance, and perseverance. It serves as a reminder of how you will navigate challenges, support others, and achieve goals with determination and empathy. By embodying this action statement, you can effectively steer your actions towards positive outcomes and impactful results.
