The definition of core values according to dictionary.com is the below:
Core values are the fundamental beliefs of a person or organization. … Core values also help companies to determine if they are on the right path and fulfilling their goals by creating an unwavering guide.
Just this week we rolled out 8THIRTYFOUR core values. As we move into our 10th year, it is important that our small team is on the same page on what the agency embodies and what our approach is.
I’ve never been one that thought defining a vision or core values was important, honestly it sounded pretty cliche’ to me.
Here is why I was wrong:
- If your staff doesn’t know what you stand for, then how are they supposed to embody it? For example, one of our core values is “We are not assholes.” That means we go above and beyond for our clients, are respectful of each other, approach each day with a positive attitude and go out of our way to make others feel welcome.
- Our tagline is “It’s About You.” We do a great job communicating this to our clients as an outward facing message, however the message you communicate internally is just as important.
- Core values build camaraderie. We asked each staff member to display 8THIRTYFOUR’s core values at their desk. It serves as a reminder of what is expected and what their job performance will be measured on. If an employee doesn’t live and display those core values then you know there is an affect to the overall culture.
Core values have given 8THIRTYFOUR a measurement for all future employees and clients. Once you have your core values defined then you can build the rest of your plan for a year, 5 years and 10 years.
