When it comes to culture, we’ve all seen organizations chase the latest strategies, trends and fads (e.g., beer on tap in the office). Yet, many overlook the fundamental bedrock of sustainable success: clearly defined and authentically lived core values. These aren’t just buzzwords on a wall; they are the guiding principles that shape culture, drive decisions, and ultimately determine an organization’s longevity and impact.
The Indispensable Role of Core Values
Core values serve as the compass for an entire organization, uniting individuals toward a shared purpose. As Kristen Gale of Forbes Business Council succinctly puts it, they are “integral to business success because they unify a group of people around a common goal” and “give teams purpose.” These principles dictate the behaviors and priorities a leader values most, ensuring that every action aligns with the company’s overarching mission.
Robert Simons, a Harvard Business School Professor, emphasizes that “the best companies—the ones that are most competitive and lead their industries decade after decade—put enormous emphasis on their core values and beliefs.” Effective core values are twofold: they inspire pride among employees and provide clear guidance for navigating challenging decisions. This clarity is crucial, especially when tough choices arise, helping employees understand which interests to prioritize. Southwest Airlines, for instance, prioritizes its employees, operating on the belief that well-treated employees will, in turn, provide excellent customer service, leading to increased business and profits.
From Words to Action: Authentically Living Your Values
Defining core values is merely the first step; the true impact comes from embedding them into the daily fabric of the workplace. Hao Lam, writing for Forbes, states that this exercise “has to permeate all aspects of your work culture to have an aligning and transformational impact on how everyone in your organization feels, thinks and acts.” When values are authentically lived, they foster consistency, accountability, and even enhance hiring decisions, attracting top talent who resonate with the company’s ethos.
Organizations can genuinely live out their core values by:
- Sharing Impactful Stories: Illustrate how values translate into real-world actions and positive outcomes.
- Recruiting for Culture Fit: Use core values as a filter in the hiring process, ensuring new team members not only have the skills but also align with the company’s spirit.
- Consistent Communication: Leaders must consistently communicate and reinforce values in all forums, from town halls to management conversations, even integrating them into compensation systems.
- Regular Review: Periodically assess if current values truly reflect the most important and current principles of the company.
Conversely, allowing behaviors that contradict established values can rapidly erode culture, leading to a toxic environment. When core values become the pillars guiding all company actions and engagements, the result is a stronger brand that resonates both internally and externally.
Building a Stronger Future
In essence, core values are far more than aspirational statements; they are the bedrock upon which successful, resilient organizations are built. By defining them clearly, embedding them deeply into the culture, and consistently living them out, businesses can create a unified, purposeful, and ultimately more prosperous future.
