Figure Out Your Core Values to Attract and Retain Staff

One of the most common challenges for business, nonprofit, and church leaders is attracting and retaining quality staff. This issue is complex and rarely solved overnight. However, there’s one step you can take that’s both simple and surprisingly powerful: define—and live out—your core values.

Every organization has a culture, whether you’ve named it or not. Think of a sports team, a youth group, or even a circle of friends you’ve been part of. Each group develops its own personality—its own way of talking, behaving, and interacting. Often, individuals begin to adopt those traits once they join the group. And when someone can’t—or won’t—embrace those shared characteristics, they usually don’t stick around. They move on to find a group that feels like a better fit.

The same is true for your business, nonprofit, or church. Your organization already has values—even if you’ve never written them down. Employees who don’t share those values will likely struggle. They may work hard and mean well, but if they don’t “fit” the culture, they’ll feel disconnected and unfulfilled—and often start looking for another job.

That’s why defining your organization’s core values is so important. When you clarify both your current values and your aspirational values—the qualities you want to grow into—you create a clear standard for belonging. These values can guide your hiring decisions, helping you choose candidates who align with your culture from the start. They also help you understand why some current staff members may be struggling and give you a framework for addressing those issues.

It might feel harsh—or even counterproductive—to part ways with employees who don’t share your organization’s values. But in reality, it’s one of the most compassionate and productive steps you can take. Employees who move on gain the freedom to pursue work with an organization that better reflects who they are. Meanwhile, your team members who do share your values are freed from the tension and conflict that misalignment can create.

A values-aligned team is more energized, collaborative, and excited about the “why” behind their work. That enthusiasm doesn’t just improve morale—it’s contagious. It shows up in how your staff interacts with one another, with clients or parishioners, and with the broader community. It also makes your organization far more attractive to other talented, mission-driven candidates.

So, have you defined your organization’s core values? While it won’t solve every staffing challenge overnight, it’s a crucial step that can transform your culture and increase your impact.

At Mustful Strategic Consulting, we can guide you through the process of discovering and articulating your values—and help you put them into practice in ways that strengthen your team. Contact us today to take that first step toward building a stronger, values-driven organization.