Aligning Personal and Corporate Values for Great Success

29th August, 2016

In the past, the term branding was most commonly used for companies but today almost every individual has a brand. Even though we may not have consciously cultivated our brand, it does exist. So, the question is no longer IF you have a personal brand, but if you choose to nurture it or let it be defined on your behalf.

To make your work life viable and satisfying, there needs to be an alignment between personal values and corporate values. Achieving this alignment has great benefits for both the employee and the employer.

Work activities that are meaningful and performed within an environment that you align with personally, contribute to satisfaction, both personally and professionally. In order for a company to gain maximum competitive advantage and organisational efficiency, a strong alignment between the employees and the company is paramount.

Your personal branding is the message that comes to mind when someone thinks or talks about you. Your brand tells people three things

  • who you are
  • what you do or how you add value
  • what makes you unique.

These days, your personal brand begins very early when you first join the world of social media which may be at age 13. This brand develops and the actions you take will live with you throughout your life and career.

So, what do you wish for people to associate with you when they think of your name? When you understand how you wish your brand to be perceived, you can start to be more strategic about your personal brand.

Here are some ideas.

Build your personal brand

Appearances are part of your personal brand. Dress the part you want to play, pay attention to your mannerisms, and if you think that something in your visual presentation may be off-putting to your audience, ask a trusted friend or colleague for feedback.

The way we communicate is a compilation of

  • verbal: the content of what we say
  • vocal: how we sound when we say it
  • visual: how we look when we say it

Think about these communication methods and your use of them.

Like the clothes you wear, your grooming is a complex form of visual, nonverbal communication. Managing your grooming routine communicates an attention to detail that helps you create a positive first and lasting impression about you and your abilities.

Sufficient sleep and rest also factor into the equation so that you can look your best and appear to be ready for the next opportunity.

Socialising is a great way to promote the company brand and your personal brand (using confident communication techniques) remembering always to keep the two brands aligned.

Maintain an excellent online presence

Every tweet you send, every Facebook or LinkedIn status update, every picture you share on Instagram or Snapchat, contributes to your personal brand, as does the way you use email and calendar or even text messages. It is an amalgamation of multiple daily actions that creates and perpetuates your brand.

When using calendar and email, always

  • respond quickly – don’t keep anyone waiting
  • use descriptive titles in calendar invitations and include all details
  • consider our company culture
  • write it right!
  • use correct spelling, pronunciation and clear, concise details.
  • do not write things you would not say in person.

Do the things you say you will do and

  • deliver as promised and on time
  • communicate up, down and sideways
  • be trustworthy
  • be honest in your deeds
  • take responsibility for all of your actions.

Once you understand how you wish your brand to be perceived, you can start to be more strategic about your personal brand.

Manage your activity on social media sites well and understand the perceptions others may have through what you say. Express your unique ideas and talk up your skills. Comment on other business stories that might be appealing to you. Be purposeful in what you share, keep active, build on your profile and expand your professional networks.

It is also a good idea to review your LinkedIn account (for those that have them) regularly and update according to your skill/achievement growth. Maybe go a step further and submit an article to LinkedIn, or to you company intranet or even to a professional journal. What hidden opportunities are available within your company which you have yet to tap into?

Write about what you know best and accompany your article with a professional photo – you might be amazed at the positive response.

Brand applies to everyone, so please don’t think that because you work in administration, finance, leadership or are in a contracting role that you don’t need one!

 

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