The power of legacy: Building values-driven organizations
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Looking back at Father’s Day, many of us reflect on the legacies that have shaped our lives and careers. For business leaders, this reflection offers a valuable opportunity to consider how the lessons of the past can inform and inspire our efforts to build organizations rooted in strong values. Drawing from my personal journey and the legacy of my father and grandfather, I have come to understand the profound impact that a values-driven approach can have on an organization and its people.
My grandfather, Manuel Morales, was a migrant tomato farmer whose hard work and dedication to his community laid a foundation of service and giving. He challenged my father, Tom, to find ways to give back and create a living legacy, and my father embraced this challenge wholeheartedly—establishing Morales Group Staffing with a mission centered around “Building Better Futures One Story at a Time.” His commitment to these principles was recognized and celebrated, leading to his induction into the Indiana Living Legends. While the awards my father received during his tenure leading Morales Group Staffing are incredible to this day, his example of Latino leadership, service to people, and mentorship of his employees continue to be one of his greatest legacies.
In any business, people are the most important asset—and this philosophy shapes how we operate at Morales Group Staffing. By focusing on the well-being of our employees and the communities we serve, we build a culture of trust and loyalty—a culture that transcends business. By investing in our teammates, we provide them with upskilling and credentialing opportunities that enable them to secure gainful employment. Through employment, many of our teammates realize job security that allows them to care for themselves and their families.
Businesses looking to attract the next generation of talent must recognize that today’s workforce is driven by more than just financial incentives. Millennials and Gen Z professionals seek purpose and meaning in their work—they are drawn to companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to social values and positive change. This shift necessitates a reevaluation of corporate priorities, placing a stronger emphasis on values-driven leadership.
One practical way to embed these values into an organization is through community service and engagement. At Morales Group Staffing, we dedicate time each quarter to give back, fostering a culture of service that permeates our organization. Initiatives like our annual home builds in Mexico provide tangible benefits to those in need and simultaneously create shared experiences that strengthen our team cohesion and purpose.
Another critical aspect of values-driven leadership is the intentional cultivation of relationships. By investing in partnerships and collaborations that amplify our positive impact, we can drive meaningful change across all boundaries. This approach aligns with the broader trend towards corporate social responsibility, where businesses leverage their resources and influence to address societal challenges.
As a son of a father and a grandson of a grandfather who have embodied living legacies, Father’s Day always pauses me in reflection of the enduring impact of legacy. By integrating the lessons I’ve learned from my predecessors into my leadership strategies, I’ve realized stronger connections with my teammates, greater productivity in the office, and a more positive company culture. As leaders, let us commit to creating environments where our employees find purpose and fulfillment, and where our actions drive positive change.
Seth Morales is the CEO of Morales Group Staffing, a company dedicated to building better futures through intentional action and a strong commitment to values.