The Importance Of Core Values.

Often when meeting clients for the first time one the first questions I ask is “Tell me about your Core Values in this company”

The response to this question is normally an odd look, followed by some awkward silence, and then some rambling on something that’s partially memorized. I understand that this is not a question normally asked to a prospective client, and can be received a tad forward and even rude.

Getting to know what drives the company from a culture and purpose point of view can give some amazing insight into the organization.

If I know that punctuality, for instance, is a core value to a client, I know that my interactions, emails, proposals, etc. will need to be delivered timeously with a focus on sticking to a promised timeline. Another example of a core value could be Open-Mindedness. In this example, I will acknowledge that my client would be open to suggestions, new ideas and added input in what we are doing. Not only just open to it but possibly welcome this.

Yes, I know what you are thinking – “Tarryn, these core values should be part of your everyday interactions, and should form part of the very services you offer” and you aren’t wrong, but you see, knowing what makes a company tick, from the core, will make all the difference in your understanding of the business both strategically, as well as help you to develop and build on a strong customer relationship.

Many companies do have core values but it is quite evident that they picked a few that sounded good on paper and told employees to learn them, Hmmmm…

The importance of defining and living these values cannot be underestimated.

If I had to put you on the spot, would you know those core values offhand? Do you understand why these values are in place in the first place and how it helps your organization stand out from other competitors?

Here is why you need to start implementing a core value system not only in your own company but in your capacity too.

Purpose and Direction

If you have a clear and concise direction that you want to take your business in then defining these values will become easier. If for instance, if you feel that you want to grow your business rapidly over the next few years a great core value for you would be “Prosper / Prosperity”. These words give you the feeling of thriving, growing, expanding. Now I'm no word wizard here but when a core value becomes synonymous with the success of a company then you are truly living your values.

The first step, however, would be to take a step back and look holistically at what YOU are trying to achieve for yourself and your company.

Attract And Retain The Best People

With truthful and ingrained core values you will attract like-minded people who will not only accept those company values but will live and breathe it too. With a tribe of people aligned in what they want from a workplace and career, you will attract more people to join your tribe, as well as build a loyal tribe not willing to leave. People are social creatures. The idea of belonging to a tribe, that “these are my people,” is an appealing concept. Neuroscience research shows when people are accepted into a trusted group, their brains release oxytocin, a feel-good hormone.

It Shows Commitment

Nothing is more obvious than a person trying to be what they are not. In the same way authenticity, honesty and true passion are obvious too! If I sit in front of a person who is slouched, tired and unenthusiastic and they tell me “at our company we believe in going the extra mile” not only am I going to be unimpressed but I will assume that this misrepresentation will extend into the services they are trying to offer me.

A person full of enthusiasm, who is truly excited to chat about their brand will have my attention and that excitement would be contagious for sure.

A company that shows me that they are happy, committed and passionate tells me they are worth engaging with.

Partner with like-minded people

We all are looking to grow our businesses and essentially make more money. Partnering with the right people is an integral part of this success. There is no point in engaging with people who are simply not on the same page as you. It will cause frustration and possibly a loss in invested time and money.

Business partnerships are like a marriage, you never know what you are truly getting until the contract is signed. I’m joking… kind of... It is, however, important to do your homework before investing in a partnership. Just one great partnership with the right person can have an incredible impact on the success of your business. Ask them their core values and see if they are truly living them too.

Culture is a thousand things, a thousand times. It's living the core values when you hire; when you write an email; when you are working on a project; when you are walking in the hall.

Aside from business core values I think for the same reasons above it is essential to understand our unique core values, and how we may offer not only the people we work with but everyone we interact with, the best of us. Some people take their whole lives to figure out who they are. I believe that this is because just like my examples above we are choosing those values that look good on paper and we cannot live these out as they do not course through our veins.

Each of us has something special to offer the world – dig deep, think hard, be bold and go do what you do best!