Developing Core Values

In the book Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, authors James Collins and Jerry Porras sought to answer the question:

“What makes truly exceptional companies different from other companies?”

The number one distinguishing factor in all the visionary companies discussed in the book was that they operated by a core ideology, which included Core Values.

What Are Core Values?

Core Values are those guiding principles that determine how the business operates… how you deal with your customers, how you manufacture your products, how you treat your employees, or how you contribute to the community or the environment. The interesting point here was that many other companies espouse the same values as the visionary companies. 

Examples of their core values include:

• Heroic customer service
• Respect for individual initiative
• Honesty and Integrity
• Continuous improvement in all that we do
• Product excellence

Words or Deeds? 

There is nothing new in these value statements, but the differentiating factor is that the visionary companies don’t just declare their values, they also ensure that these values permeate the entire organisation. The difference is not in the values themselves, but in the degree that all employees passionately believe in their values.

Developing core values is essential if you want to move your organisation from successful to visionary. For help on getting started contact one of our consultants or read more information on our Senior Team Alignment Process.