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Also known as: company values, organizational values, guiding principles

Core Values

FoundationalOperationsStrategies

Definition

Core Values: Core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide a company's behavior and decision-making. Effective values are specific enough to be actionable, limited in number (3-7), and actually used in hiring, promotions, and daily decisions. Values without behavioral examples and accountability become meaningless slogans.

Example Usage

“Our value 'disagree and commit' gives people permission to voice concerns but requires alignment once decisions are made.”

Common Misconceptions

Values should be aspirational. Values should describe who you actually are, not who you wish to be.
Everyone has the same values. Generic values like 'integrity' don't differentiate; get specific.
Post values and you're done. Values require constant reinforcement through hiring, recognition, and consequences.

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