Have you ever wondered what motivates people, businesses, and relationships to thrive? The answer can be found in the basic principles that define who we are and what we stand for. Whether you’re an individual, a business, or in a relationship, core values are the foundation to achieve our common objectives. They influence our decisions, direct our behaviours, and eventually determine our success. In this blog, we’ll look at the essence of core values, their importance in different facets of life, and how they’ve propelled great corporate houses to incredible heights.
What are Core Values:
So, what exactly are core values? These are the fundamental beliefs that guide our actions and decisions, shape our behaviours, and influence our sense of right and wrong. They serve as guiding lights, providing us with a moral and ethical framework for making choices in life and business. Core values, like a lighthouse that illuminates the road for ships in stormy seas, assist us in navigating adversities and being true to our authentic selves.
Values of a Company or Organization
Consider any successful company that appeals to you. At its heart, it operates based on a common set of values. These values of a company influence the organization’s culture and lay the groundwork for its decision-making. It is not only about what the company does, but also how they do it. Consider Amazon’s obsession with customers or Google’s regard for the fundamental value of information accessibility. These are not random characteristics; they are essential values that are critical to the success of these businesses. They could be viewed as examples of the company’s values that guide them towards their vision.
Let us take a moment to admire the values of a few industry leaders for a better understanding:
1.Google:With a value of “Focus on the User,” Google has revolutionized information access by stressing user-centricity in everything they do.
2.Patagonia:This outdoor clothing company lives by values such as “Build the Best Product” and “Cause No Unnecessary Harm,” demonstrating their dedication to quality and environmental sustainability.
3.Zappos:Known for their amazing customer service, Zappos places great importance on values such as “Deliver WOW through Service” and “Create Fun and a Little Weirdness.”
You might wonder, “But, how does this relate to my personal life?” So, just as a company thrives when its ideals are clear, so will we. Personal core values function as an inner compass, guiding us through the countless options that life throws at us. Love, honesty, authenticity, empathy, and perseverance are some prevalent personal core values. We live a more meaningful and fulfilled life when we align our behaviours with our personal core values.
From exercising kindness to diligently working towards goals, the values people hold dear are endless, as unique and varied as individuals themselves are. Maintaining personal growth while keeping integrity intact, being dedicated to family while also carving out a personal space – these intricate balances are guided by core values.
Values play an integral role not only in our individual lives but also in our relationships – be it romantic, friendly, or professional. For instance, in a relationship, values such as mutual respect, trust, and understanding form the bedrock for a healthy and successful partnership.
Now, if you’re contemplating how to identity and live your values, think about what drives you, what makes your heart sing, what you will never compromise on. The answers should lead you towards your core values.
As renowned author and businessman, Stephen R. Covey said, “Personal leadership is the process of keeping your vision and values before you and aligning your life to be congruent with them.”
Once we’ve identified our core values and begun to live by them, we’ll see how much smoother the pathway to success becomes. So, let’s embark on this worthwhile journey of unearthing and living our values, both personally and professionally, and let these robust values steer us towards our vision.
Company values examples/Examples of core values in the workplace:
Company values do not have to be one-of-a-kind; rather, they should reflect what your company expects from itself and its people. Here are a few examples:
Loyalty, Honesty, Trust, Ingenuity, Accountability, Simplicity, Respect, Value-centricity
Let me share some inspiring examples of core values that have become synonymous with leading corporate houses:
•Integrity: “It is better to fail with integrity than to succeed by fraud.” – Sophocles. A company that upholds integrity prioritizes honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all its dealings.
•Innovation: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs. Embracing innovation allows companies to stay ahead of the curve, adapt to change, and drive progress.
•Collaboration: “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” – Helen Keller. Companies that foster collaboration create a culture of teamwork, shared goals, and mutual support.
•Customer Centricity: “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” – Bill Gates. Placing customers at the heart of operations and delivering exceptional experiences leads to long-term success.
A List of Core Values commonly found:
Here’s a snapshot of diverse core values to inspire and ignite your journey:
•Integrity: Upholding honesty, ethics, and moral principles.
•Accountability: Taking ownership of one’s actions and responsibilities.
•Innovation: Encouraging creativity, embracing change, and fostering a forward-thinking mindset.
•Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, cooperation, and collective success.
•Empowerment: Supporting others in reaching their full potential, lifting them up, and fostering their growth.
How to put core values into practice?
•Choose values in which you and your leaders not only believe but are also willing to live. These ideals should be modelled from the top of your organization.
•Hire people who share and demonstrate your values.
•Incorporate your values into employee recognition and rewards.
•Discuss company values with your team on a regular basis.
•Value your employees, regardless of what values you might have adopted.
Final thoughts:
In my opinion, starting a business is similar to starting a community: if you want the community to function as a whole, you need a shared code/vision/identity/ethos, an organizational culture that governs who you welcome in and how the community performs as a whole. If you don’t own, define, and care about your community’s values, they will evolve on their own, potentially harming your business.
Values evolve over time:
When the company expands,the values you framed early on may no longer be totally relevant to where you have landed. As new opportunities and difficulties arise, you may need to revise your values. You’ll see what I mean in the following section: As the number of employees increases, the dynamics and business realities change, various factors become more or less significant.
Re-examine your company’s values as your team grows, and solicit feedback from current employees to help propel the process.
Once we’ve identified your core values and begun to live by them, we’ll see how much smoother the pathway to success becomes. So, let’s embark on this worthwhile journey of unearthing and living your values, both personally and professionally, and let these robust values steer you towards your vision. “Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.” – Mahatma Gandhi