Core Values – What They Are And How To Use
Have you spent any time on defining your core values? When someone asks you about your business, or your management how do you answer the question? Core Values are exactly that, they are at the core of who you are and why you do what you do.
Most people do not create the core values because they believe they just know what they are, so why spend the time. But in reality getting to the core of your core values is a very purposeful process. It takes time, it takes focus, and it takes a willingness to be honest with yourself. All of which are hard for business owners.
How many should you have?
Well, that depends on you, but I would say between 3 and 6 are a good start. Here is how I like to use my core values – as a litmus test for my decision making. If my decisions violate my core values, I can guarantee the decision was not a good one. If you use that view when creating you will come up with a foundation that you can use every single day.
I have clients that use their core values when hiring staff, when evaluating existing staff and as the basis for growth decisions. This coupled with a great mission (for a different discussion) created a baseline that is impossible to stray from. When you have completed them, document, print, share and review constantly. I had my core values on my office wall for years, and has become something I can openly talk about without issue.
Example
I am providing my core values. ( I call them my little PIGI’s):
Perseverance – a persistent and steady course of action with purpose, in spite of any difficulties or obstacles that stand in the way.
Integrity – Making decisions that are in the best interest of all involved parties.
Group Accountability – The sharing of ownership of circumstances and the results. Leads to organization success, not only individual success.
Individuality – Everyone has unique skills, and we should focus and understand the individual components in order to get the most out of person, and to elevate individual strengths.
Service – We serve our fellow employees, our customers and our communities in a fashion that benefits all.
