I still recall the moment when my host proudly recited her company’s core values: Integrity, Honesty, Hard Work, Transparency… Her words sounded like a corporate lullaby, leaving me on the verge of nodding off. It wasn’t the words themselves that were the problem; it was their utter lack of depth. When I asked what “Integrity” meant in their workplace context, she faltered. How did it manifest in their daily operations? Crickets.
The reality hit me: their core values were nothing more than empty platitudes, masquerading as a company ethos – as bland and uninspiring as a saltine cracker.
The Takeaway? Core values are not just feel-good buzzwords to hang on a wall. They should be the heartbeat of your company culture, guiding decisions, shaping behaviors, and inspiring your team to reach their full potential.
However, a Gallup study revealed that only 27% of U.S. employees strongly believe in their company’s values. This disconnect erodes trust, stifles engagement, and breeds cynicism. Who wants to be part of a team where words are cheap, and actions don’t align with stated ideals?
Transforming Core Values from
Wall Art to a Way of Life
Leaders can revitalize their core values by implementing the following strategies:
1. Make Them Actionable
Replace vague nouns with concrete phrases. For instance, turn “Transparency” into “Open Doors, Open Hearts – what’s been on your mind?” This reframing enables values to become part of daily conversations.
2. Use Insider Language
Create phrases that resonate with your team’s shared experiences. “Look For The Ryans” may seem obscure, but due to its backstory, it holds significant meaning to the company that adopted it. Insider language integrates core values into your company culture.
3. Prioritize Your Values
Rank your values to guide tough decisions. When “Move Fast” clashes with “Save Money,” knowing the hierarchy helps resolve conflicts.
4. The “No Matter What” Test
Ensure your values can withstand pressure by adding “no matter what” to the end. “We prioritize customer satisfaction, no matter what” – even if it means short-term losses. If your core values pass this test 90% of the time, they’re genuine.
5. Integrate, Don’t Just Decorate
Weave core values into:
- Performance reviews.
- Rewards for exemplifying values.
- Meetings: “Does this decision align with our ‘Open Vault’ value?”
- Everyday language: Leaders should repeat core values frequently.
Your core values define who you are as a team, what you stand for, and what you strive to achieve. When alive and well, they foster belonging, inspire loyalty, and drive engagement.
Ditch generic posters and breathe life into your values. Watch your team thrive.
As the legendary management guru Peter Drucker once said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
