Why are core values important for your company and how to develop them

Creating a company culture

Company culture is more than just superficial perks and benefits. It’s about the collective behavior and shared values that define your organization.

At the core of it all are your company’s values. These values guide decision-making and shape interactions with others. But how do you develop the best values to cultivate a strong company culture where employees thrive?

Start by reflecting on what truly matters to your company. What do you stand for? What principles do you want to include? Once you’ve identified your core values, integrate them into every aspect of your business.

Nurturing a thriving culture means leading by example and creating an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired. Embracing and living out your core values will attract top talent, improve collaboration, and drive long-term success.

Why are core values important for your company?

Imagine a workplace where employees are uncertain about how to make decisions and interact with each other. In such an environment, productivity declines, communication gaps appear, and collaboration becomes a challenge.

This is where defining your company’s core values becomes crucial. They serve as the compass that guides your team, providing clarity and direction. With clearly defined values, your employees can work together efficiently and harmoniously.

Think carefully before setting your company’s core values.

Not sure where to start?

It’s actually pretty easy. You can start by observing your employees and identifying their behaviors. Focus on what you like and take notes. Concentrate on behaviors you would like to see more at your company.

You can also discuss it with your employees. Ask them what do they like about working with you or what is their idea of perfect work culture.

Now it’s time to choose the best fit for your company

Choosing the right core values for your business is important, because it defines the people you work with, their efficiency and everyday mood of working hours. So take your time and think hard before you set them. These 3 questions could maybe help you choose the right direction:

  1. Take a moment to think about what’s true about your company right now. What’s a value that your company already have? It’s important to choose a core value that reflects the reality of your company, rather than forcing something.
  2. What makes your company stand out from the competition? What sets you apart? Use those unique qualities as the foundation for your core value. Steer clear of generic values like “integrity” or “hard work” and aim for something that truly captures the essence of your company.
  3. Your core values should be non-negotiable. They should be the guiding principles that guide every decision and action within your company. This way, they become intentional values that shape your culture, rather than accidental ones.

An ideal outcome

When you have the best core values at the heart of your company, something wonderful happens. Success starts to spin like a well-oiled machine, with your values as the driving force. You make it a point to recognize and reward your team for embodying these core values that define your organization. This positive reinforcement strengthens your values even more, inspiring employees to uphold them with even greater dedication.

As a result, your workplace culture becomes a magnet, attracting both current and future employees who are drawn to the values you hold. With strategic plans in place to integrate these values into your team’s everyday operations, your culture will thrive, creating an environment where success becomes second nature. Together, you’ll build a company that not only achieves greatness but also include the values that make it truly exceptional.