In an earlier article we shared information with you on Why Setting Core Values is important. We know they’re important, we know our organization needs them, but how do you establish what those Core Values are? Here are some steps to get you started.
Define Your Vision and Mission:
- Vision: What do you want to achieve in the long term?
- Mission: What is your company’s purpose? Who do you serve, and how do you serve them?
Involve Your Team:
- Brainstorming Sessions: Encourage employees to share their ideas about the values they think the company should uphold.
- Surveys/Questionnaires: Collect input anonymously to get honest opinions.
Analyze Your Culture:
- Current State: Assess your existing company culture. What values are already evident in the way your employees work and interact?
- Desired State: Determine the cultural traits you wish to cultivate.
Identify Core Behaviors:
- Positive Examples: Pinpoint instances where employees demonstrated exceptional behavior that aligns with your vision.
- Negative Examples: Highlight behaviors or decisions that are contrary to the culture you want.
Prioritize Values:
- Ranking: Prioritize the list of values generated based on their importance to your company’s mission and vision.
- Focus: Limit the number of core values to a manageable few (usually 3-5) so they are memorable and actionable.
Define Each Core Value:
- Clarity: Clearly articulate what each value means. Use concise language that is easy to understand.
- Behavioral Expectations: Describe specific behaviors and actions that exemplify each value in action.
- Examples: Provide real-life examples of how employees can embody each core value.
Remember, core values should be more than just words on a wall; they should be deeply ingrained principles guiding every action and decision within your company.
Need help establishing your core values? We can help lead your team through this exercise, contact us to find out more!
