Let’s be honest—core values often get a bad rap. How many times have you walked into a business and seen their “values” slapped on a break room wall, only to realize they’re just words, not actions? However, when done right, core values can shape your company’s identity, unify your team, and drive long-term success. But the key is making them real—not just buzzwords. Let’s dive in.
Core values are the deeply ingrained principles that guide every action a business takes. They’re not aspirational goals or cookie-cutter ideals like “integrity” or “teamwork.” Instead, they’re the authentic, non-negotiable beliefs that define how your company operates and who it attracts. Think of them as the DNA of your business, shaping everything from hiring decisions to customer interactions.
Creating meaningful core values isn’t easy—it takes self-reflection and a commitment to authenticity.
Start by asking yourself:
- What matters most to your business?
- What behaviors should define your team?
- What kind of culture do you want to build?
These questions help uncover values that truly resonate and stand the test of time.
Defining core values is just the beginning. The real challenge is integration. Core values should influence hiring practices, performance reviews, promotions, and even tough calls like firing. They’re not meant to be vague ideals; they must be non-negotiable truths, driving actions and decisions at every level of your organization.
Core values naturally attract the right people while deterring those who don’t align—and that’s exactly how it should be. Just like in friendships, where shared beliefs create strong bonds, employees and customers are drawn to companies whose values resonate with their own. When your values are clear, you’ll foster a cohesive community that’s aligned and ready to thrive.
So, are your core values the heart of your business or just words on a wall?
