Core values are the fundamental beliefs of a person or organization. They are the guiding principles that dictate the direction of a business and internal workplace culture.
There are many different types of core values and many organizations create a list of three to seven words to represent them. However, specific statements carry more weight and value, especially for candidates outside of your organization that may not understand the context of a simple list of words. These values are also typically expressed in the business’s mission statement.
Some examples of core values from the top companies in the US:
A commitment to sustainability and to acting in an environmentally friendly way.
Companies like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s have environmental sustainability as a core value.
A commitment to innovation and excellence.
Apple Computer is perhaps best known for having a commitment to innovation as a core value. This is embodied by their “Think Different” motto.
A commitment to doing good for the whole.
Google, for example, believes in making a great search engine and building a great company without being evil.
Zappos is another company that has built a unique culture around their core values. The organization has become so successful, they’re considered a model for consciously creating a corporate personality that will help you accomplish your business goals.
Identifying Your Core Values
These five steps will help you get started. Include core members of your team in these exercises.
(1) First, identify your business goals.
(2) Think through and describe the following in detail:
- What have been your company’s three greatest accomplishments?
- What have been your three greatest moments of efficiency?
- What are any common rules or themes that you can identify?
(3) Think through and describe the following in detail:
- What have been your company’s three greatest failures?
- What have been your three greatest moments of inefficiency?
- What are any common rules or themes that you can identify?
(4) Identify three or four brief sentences of advice you would give to yourself or management based upon these commonalities.
(5) Articulated them clearly in writing. Test them through daily decision-making. Think of a situation where following your core value hurts you rather than helps you. For example you might think Innovation sounds good until you realize that your life thrives on stability rather than constant change.
The work environment provided by Zappos for employees won’t attract every job searcher and it’s not for every employee. But, the people who fit the corporate culture thrive working for the company.
Live Your Core Values
Zappos takes specific actions every day that reinforce its culture of a fun workplace, one that attracts the right kind of candidates for the company’s success. Once you’ve identified your company’s core values, live them. Every day. A core value is only a true core value if it has an active influence and if the value has “life” every day… at least most of the time.
Developing core values is also a powerful personal exercise for job seekers to complete. Ask candidates to provide a list of values and see how they align with the company’s culture. This will help you truly find the best fit for your organization.
What are some examples of core values that you’ve seen companies execute?
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