.svg)
.svg)
Let's be real - every company likes to brag about having core values plastered on their website. But how many actually walk the talk? We're talking about those fundamental beliefs and principles that an organization truly lives and breathes, not just lofty words used for marketing fluff.
If you are planning to get to know the meaning of core values better, then you have come to the right place!
A company's core ideals are the main ideas that it follows. People in the company see them as its moral center or set of beliefs, which guides its actions and decisions.
To put it another way, think of them as the business's personal ideals. Businesses follow their own set of basic rules that determine how they act and what they prioritize, just like people have their own set of ideals that also determine how they act and what they prioritize.
Employees should treat each other and customers with these values. These values should also guide the big decisions the company makes, the products or services it makes, and even how it helps the community. It's not just words on a page that these ideals mean. Everyone in the company should work toward the same goal, and the core values should ensure that everyone follows the same moral standards.
Core values can make or break a company. This is why we should choose our core values with care. Here are 27 examples of great core values that companies can have:
1. Integrity
At our organization, we think that the most crucial qualities are moral strength and honesty. Being honest, in our opinion, fosters confidence and trust—qualities crucial for long-term success. Though difficult, we confront the facts squarely.
2. Customer Obsession
Since ultimately customer satisfaction is what counts most, we do everything we can to satisfy the needs of our clients. We go above and beyond what customers anticipate and try our best to grasp their issues. Their commitment and great word-of-mouth help our company to flourish.
3. Innovation
Real development comes from individuals thinking creatively and being receptive to fresh ideas, hence this is what we encourage. We advise individuals to remain inquisitive and develop original answers to challenges as we want to avoid being comfortable. Our DNA drive us to challenge the boundaries.
4. Teamwork rocks!
The secret sauce is working together and helping each other. When people work together, they can achieve more than one person could on their own. Each of us brings something special to the table, and we build on each other's thoughts.
5. Passion
We give everything we have to the things we believe in because we don't want to fail. You can feel how excited and energized we are about our work. That's what helps us keep going even when things go wrong.
6. Respect runs deep
We have a lot of respect for each other, our customers, and different points of view. We know that real growth comes from people who understand and value each other. We can grow by hearing other points of view.
7. Accountability is everything
We don't make excuses for what we do and are responsible for it all. We don't blame others; instead, we own up to our mistakes, learn from them, and change our path. Being responsible builds trust.
8. Adaptability
Flexibility comes from our ability to adapt; exceptional people are those who can roll with the punches. We cannot become overly committed to one strategy in a world of fast changing events. Moving about is not a weakness; it is a strength.
9. Environmental Stewardship
We tread softly and make long-lasting decisions since we love the planet. From product design to office operations, whatever we do leaves as least of an effect on the surroundings. One cannot dodge corporate social obligation.
10. Continuous Learning
One grows by means of constant learning. We grow by being honest and continuously striving for excellence. Formal instruction, group projects, and a development mindset all support our learning. Learning everything takes a lifetime.
11. Diversity and inclusion
We honor persons from all walks of life; we do not have to choose between equality and variety. We aggressively seek out many points of view and ensure that everyone feels valued and significant for who they are as much as for what they can provide.
12. Tough love
We view useful guidance as an opportunity to grow rather than as criticism. By confronting challenges head-on and being helpful even in trying circumstances, we support one another in moving ahead.
13. Empowerment
It's important to give our people the freedom and tools they need to make things happen. We hire smart people and trust them to be responsible for their job. Micromanagement goes against everything we believe in.
14. Efficiency
Because great work is just as important as speed, efficiency makes our work easier. We use technology and set up systems to work smarter, not harder. You should avoid wasting time and effort.
15. Keep it simple
Simple things work best. That's why we skip the extraneous stuff and get right to the point. A lot of the time, complexity slows things down for no reason. Keeping things simple and clear leads to success.
16. Dream Big
Driven people always seek for the stars. Not good enough are motives like "just because". If you have a unique concept and are determined to implement it, we believe that everything is feasible.
17. Community Engagement
Returning and acting as a positive agent in your neighborhood is quite vital. By means of assistance, return to the community, and active participation, we hope to improve the surroundings of our workplace.
18. Safety First
We never cut corners with ensuring our staff members are safe. Ensuring that our employees feel secure at work—both physically and emotionally—helps them to perform as best they can.
19. Transparency builds trust
We admit our faults and remain honest as integrity fosters confidence. We do not strive to overlook difficulties. People become loyal when one is sincere and transparent.
20. Goal-Oriented Hustle
We concentrate on our goals and keep going until we reach them. We enjoy the journey, but we never lose sight of the goal of making things happen. We don't use the word "laziness."
21. Work-Life Balance isn't just lip service
People's health and happiness really do come first. We know that depleted and tense employees aren't happy or effective. Having things you do outside of work is important for recovering.
22. Results Over Egos
Getting the job done right is more important than egos and drama every time. We leave competition and power battles outside the door. What matters are results that are good and work.
23. Creative Freedom Creates Innovation
Creative Freedom leads to new ideas, so we let our employees try new things. That's not how we run our business. Instead, we let our team follow their ideas and thoughts, even if they fail sometimes. That's how big steps forward happen.
24. Fail Forward Mindset
Failures are opportunities for growth and education. We avoid pointing the finger or stressing errors. Resilient and tenacious, we grow from our mistakes and modify our behavior.
25. Humility
Being successful grounds us rather than makes us arrogant. One thing is knowing ourselves; yet, we should never allow our egos get too large. Being modest helps us to be open and to have full tummies.
26. Quality Over Quantity
We would much prefer create a small number of truly outstanding pieces than many of them. We don't settle for mediocre or provide shoddy work merely to acquire the stats. The aim is to excel.
27. Trust
The most crucial concept in the world is trust. We trust in each other's abilities and decent aims. Trust fosters accountability and cooperation.
Now that we know what good core values are and how they manifest in an organization, here are 5 actual examples of companies with dope core values:
1. Patagonia
If you want to help the earth, Patagonia really does what they say they will do. Sustainability and reducing their effect are important to them, and it's not just business fluff. They're fully committed to being eco-warriors in business. For example, they use recycled materials and let people trade in used Patagonia gear to fight against consumerism. There's no doubt that it's in their genes.
2. Salesforce
Talk about a business that cares about more than just making money, and you’ll get Salesforce. One of their main sayings is "The blind pursuit of profit at all costs is dumb." That's pretty brave, right? Without a doubt, their 1-1-1 approach is all about building a culture of trust, fairness, and giving back. Their principles show that they try to be open and put their employees first.
3. Nordstrom
It's kind of Nordstrom's thing to have great customer service. All of this comes from the core value of letting workers use "good judgment" when making choices that will really make customers happy. Rule-following and paperwork should not be a problem. The most important thing is the experience.
4. Netflix
When it comes to their beliefs, Netflix is rather direct. Just glance at their well-known "Culture Deck"—it screams it all out loud and proud. Among these are "selflessness over self-interest," very honest feedback, and only maintaining outstanding, very successful team members. Their values foster a setting in which individuals put forth great effort.
5. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is a must on the list! Their fun, super-casual brand personality goes way beyond just being the company that throws peanuts. It comes from having a "Warrior Spirit" (working hard), a "Servant's Heart" (following the Golden Rule), and "Fun-LUVing Attitudes," which means keeping things light. It affects how happy and involved their workers are.
Defining a company's core values is kind of like getting to the heart of what really matters to that organization - it's about figuring out the underlying beliefs and principles that drive everything they do.
To nail down those core values, a company has to do some serious soul-searching and ask itself tough questions like "What ethical standards do we truly believe in?" and "What greater purpose are we striving towards here?"
Pinpointing these fundamental ideals shapes can shape a company's identity and how it wants to move through the world, both internally with employees and externally with customers and the community. Once a company can articulate those core tenets it lives by, those become the backbone of the culture and decision-making process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can define and refine these essential elements.
1. Discuss Your Values With Multiple Stakeholders
Start by involving people at all levels of your organization in the conversation. This includes leadership, mid-level management, and front-line employees. Gather diverse perspectives to understand what values are perceived as inherent to the company’s identity.
2. Review and Reassess Existing Values
Take a close look at any existing stated values. Are they still relevant? Do they reflect where the company is today and where it's headed?
This is the time to decide which values you want to retain, modify, or possibly phase out. Consider engage key stakeholders in this process to ensure the values align with both their perceptions and the company's future goals.
3. Finalize Your List of Core Values
Narrow down the list to a manageable number—typically between three to seven core values. This makes them easier to remember and more likely to be integrated into everyday business operations.
4. Define Each Value Clearly
Define what each value means in practical terms. Avoid vague descriptions; instead, describe what each value looks like in action. This clarity will help employees understand and live by these values.
5. Prioritize and Test
Once you have your list, prioritize these values based on their importance to your company’s mission and vision.
Consider conducting small focus groups or pilot tests to see how these values resonate within different segments of the organization. This testing phase can provide insights into whether your core values are understood and embraced.
6. Communicate Your Values
Roll out your core values through an internal campaign. Use multiple channels like company meetings, newsletters, and the intranet to ensure everyone is aware of these values. You can even place boards and frames at different areas of the company.
Make this communication engaging and informative to capture the essence of what each value stands for.
7. Integrate and Reinforce Your Values
Finally, embed these values into every aspect of your organization. Make sure your core values are reflected. Regularly reinforce these values through real-life examples and by recognizing employees who exemplify them.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your company’s core values are not just words on a page but a living, breathing part of your organizational culture.
Conclusion
So there you have it - the importance of having a solid set of core values.
A company's core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that it lives by. They make decisions, encourage the right mindset and habits, and make sure that everyone is going in the same direction when they are properly described and accepted.
Honesty, innovation, and putting the customer first are some of the core values that help businesses build more respect, loyalty, and trust among both their employees and their customers.
With ThriveSparrow, you can conduct surveys to gauge the effectiveness of your company's core values and culture. Schedule a free meeting with one of our product experts and get started on your journey to a more engaged and refined work culture.
