Chances are more than the words on the paper. The kind of core values your company creates gives your audience a chance to read between the lines. The days of the old hum-ho values are a thing of the past. When I sit down to help a company discover their true self, core values are often what comes of it. Here are a few things to think about when you are ready to write core values that are meaningful.
Think beyond INTEGRITY. This is one of the most popular words to include in your core values, but often the least meaningful. Instead opt for words that really describe who you are. Don’t use words that you think you should.
Think deeper. Use this exercise as a chance to really get introspective. Think about what you collectively believe in as a company. Are there personality traits that are uniquely important in the hiring process? Are their ideas that are being ingrained in your peoples’ heads from the top down?
Culture: What’s the vibe like? Don’t miss this opportunity to set yourself apart from your peers. It takes time, passion, and consistency to build a culture that people believe in and want to be a part of. Stake your claim by writing it down.
Don’t limit yourself to four or five ideas. If you come up with six or seven that accurately and specifically describe who you are, roll with it.
Get creative. If an idea lends itself to more than one interpretation and both are a good fit for your company….own it.
When I think about what your core values should say about your company….the answer that comes to mind is….EVERYTHING!
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