Core Values - Who Needs Them?

A company’s core values are supposed to be it’s essential set of guiding principles that stand the test of time and the basis upon which all of the company’s decisions are made. When it comes to core values there are three types of companies:

First are those companies that haven’t bothered to articulate their core values. The leadership of these companies then wonder why many of their employees don’t seem committed to the company. But look at it from the employee’s perspective. What are they committing to?

Second are the companies who have verbalized their core values but don’t really believe in them. The core values are nothing more than platitudes posted on the company wall, glanced at occasionally and never adhered to. Sadly, this situation causes great cynicism and negativity leading to loss productivity from employees.

Finally there are the companies who take core values seriously. They have articulated them to their employees, customers, suppliers and other constituents. They use their core values to hire the right people (people who share these values) and also to drive their daily operations and behavior. When you are certain of your company’s core values your decision- making is infinitely easier. And you will find that you rarely compromise your integrity and morals for short-term gain.