Values, Cliché or Relevant?
Company values are essential for aligning employees, building trust with customers, and driving long-term success.
Do you still feel values are important or do they just seem a cliché from the 90s startups?
I was recently recommended a book, Traction by Gino Wickman. Approximately 30 pages in, Values are discussed. I devoured the section because it echoed my sentiment about the importance of companies having strong values as early as possible. Strong, in the sense that:
They are clear.
Everyone within the team is acutely aware of them.
The brand and the culture are anchored by the company’s values.
As I reflect on brands that really thrive, whether revenue is blowing past projections or when things feel hard, there are some similarities
Leaders and their teams share the same core set of behaviors. In other words, it is the opposite of do what I say, not as I do.
The company shares the same set of beliefs, rituals and behaviors internally as they do externally, with their customers, the public. There is no such thing as putting on a show for the neighbors.
Everyone knows where the company is heading and everyone is focused on doing their part to get there. There is no erratic deviation, distraction or disruption.
When I ask members of the team a very general question: how do you feel about the company culture, there is no stumbling or bumbling, avoidance or conversely negative downloading. People who work at a company with strong values are proud to discuss their company culture, excited to share.
There is something infectious in the air. You feel a natural buzz or high from talking to each other and you need MORE.
Brands that pause, take the time to establish their values as their north star tend to stay longer. Resist the temptation to come back to the values later. Do it now when it matters. You wouldn’t skip pouring the concrete when building a structure, would you?
As always, I would love to hear from you!
Christina | christina@itsthepod.com