Core values are the fundamental beliefs, principles, or ideals that guide an organization’s conduct, relationships, and decision-making.
They are the essence of a company’s identity, providing a moral compass and a framework for understanding its purpose and direction. We hear this from customers who regularly use our corporate, employee, and leadership courses to achieve core competencies.
Rationale and Background
Core values are not just words on a page; they are the DNA of a company.
They define the company’s values, influencing its organizational culture, brand perception, and business strategies. They also help attract and retain talent, foster customer loyalty, and drive sustainable growth.
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Five Characteristics of Core Values
- Inherent and Unique: Core values should be intrinsic and differentiate the organization from others.
- Guiding: They should guide decision-making and behavior at all levels of the organization.
- Inspiring: Core values should motivate employees and stakeholders to engage with the organization.
- Enduring: They should be timeless and remain constant despite changes in the business environment.
- Actionable: Core values should be practical and observable in the organization’s operations.
Identifying Core Values: 10 Approaches
- Reflect on the company’s mission and vision.
- Consider the qualities that make your company unique.
- Engage employees in the process.
- Analyze successful decisions and actions.
- Identify the values of your target customers.
- Look at your company’s history and traditions.
- Consider the values of your industry.
- Think about the values of your founders or leaders.
- Identify what values are non-negotiable.
- Use a values identification exercise or workshop.
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Challenges with Using Core Values
- Lack of Authenticity: If core values are not genuinely practiced, they can lead to cynicism and disengagement.
- Poor Communication: Core values can become meaningless if not communicated and understood.
- Inconsistency: Inconsistent application can undermine their credibility.
- Resistance to Change: Some employees may resist values that challenge their comfort zones.
- Lack of Alignment: Core values can create confusion if not aligned with business strategies.
- Overemphasis: Overemphasis on specific values can lead to neglect of others.
- Too Many Values: Too many values can dilute their impact.
- Lack of Measurement: It’s hard to know if values are being lived without measurement.
60 Company Core Values Examples
- Integrity: Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
- Innovation: Constantly seeking better ways to do things.
- Respect: Valuing diversity and treating others with dignity.
- Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in everything we do.
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for our actions.
- Teamwork: Collaborating to achieve common goals.
- Transparency: Being open and honest in all our dealings.
- Customer Focus: Putting the customer at the heart of everything we do.
- Sustainability: Committing to environmental responsibility.
- Passion: Loving what we do and doing what we love.
- Agility: Adapting quickly to change.
- Empowerment: Encouraging employees to take initiative.
- Quality: Delivering superior products and services.
- Trust: Building relationships based on reliability and honesty.
- Courage: Taking risks and embracing challenges.
- Diversity: Valuing different perspectives and experiences.
- Efficiency: Maximizing resources and minimizing waste.
- Learning: Promoting continuous growth and development.
- Leadership: Inspiring others to achieve their best.
- Fun: Creating a joyful and positive work environment.
- Humility: Being modest and respectful.
- Perseverance: Never give up, no matter the obstacles.
- Service: Serving our customers, communities, and each other.
- Balance: Promoting work-life harmony.
- Collaboration: Working together to achieve more.
- Adaptability: Embracing change and uncertainty.
- Loyalty: Being faithful to our commitments.
- Ambition: Striving to achieve our full potential.
- Responsibility: Acting with consideration for our impact on others.
- Generosity: Giving back to our communities.
- Gratitude: Appreciating what we have.
- Honesty: Being truthful in all our interactions.
- Optimism: Believing in our ability to succeed.
- Dedication: Committing fully to our work and mission.
- Fairness: Treating everyone equally and justly.
- Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and approaches.
- Discipline: Maintaining focus and consistency.
- Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks.
- Simplicity: Making things easy.
- Harmony: Promoting peace and positivity.
- Boldness: Daring to be different.
- Compassion: Caring for others and showing empathy.
- Professionalism: Upholding high standards of conduct.
- Stewardship: Protecting and enhancing our resources.
- Growth: Pursuing personal and professional development.
- Unity: Working together as one team.
- Determination: Pursuing our goals with tenacity.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
- Reliability: Being dependable and trustworthy.
- Inclusivity: Welcoming everyone, regardless of their background.
- Curiosity: Encouraging questions and exploration.
- Pride: Taking satisfaction in our achievements.
- Humor: Bringing joy and laughter to our work.
- Kindness: Treating others with care and respect.
- Patience: Taking the time to do things right.
- Vision: Looking ahead and planning for the future.
- Wisdom: Valuing experience and knowledge.
- Freedom: Encouraging independence and self-expression.
- Adventure: Embracing new experiences and challenges.
- Authenticity: Being true to ourselves and our values.
In conclusion, core values are vital to any organization. They define its identity, guide its actions, and influence its culture.
However, identifying and implementing core values can be challenging.
It requires authenticity, communication, consistency, and alignment with business strategies.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of having strong, well-defined core values are immense. They can inspire employees, attract customers, and drive business success.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.