Are Values Statements Hypocritical?

Over the last 15 years, I’ve worked with countless companies, and I always ask the same question: Do you think values statements are important?

The answer is always yes. Leadership teams tell me they’ve spent hours—sometimes days—at retreats discussing and fine-tuning their values. But here’s what I’ve noticed: This level of engagement tends to happen more with founders than with their successors.

Despite all the time spent crafting these statements, I’ve interviewed employees at these same companies who, when asked about their company values, have no idea what they are.

So what? Why does it matter?

The Problem with Values on Paper

I think back to my time at Aramark. We had to recite the company’s values and mission statement at every sales meeting and national call. But it meant absolutely nothing to me—except to remind me how bad I am at memorization.?

Values aren’t just words on a wall or in a handbook. What really matters is how people show up every day—how they treat their colleagues, vendors, and customers. What they tolerate and what they won’t.

And this is where the real issue comes in: the hypocrisy of it all. The double standards.

I’ve seen it firsthand. A leader who preaches respect but throws temper tantrums in meetings.

Meanwhile, if anyone else behaved that way, there would be consequences. That kind of inconsistency? It shapes the culture more than any framed values statement ever will.

Money vs. Values

I’ve seen the same thing play out in law firms. They proudly share their values statements and talk about firm culture—until a rainmaking partner behaves badly.?

If that person is difficult to work with, says inappropriate things, or disregards the firm’s supposed values, leadership often stays silent. Why? Because they’re afraid of losing millions of dollars if that person walks. And I get it—it’s a tough call. But is it hypocritical?

So what does it all mean?

Culture is Built on Actions, Not Words

After working with both exceptional and deeply dysfunctional companies, I’ve come to one clear conclusion: Culture isn’t built on words. It’s built on actions. When organizations truly prioritize culture—not just as a statement, but as a daily practice—they see results. Strong cultures lead to improved safety, fewer conflicts, and happier employees.

But let’s take it a step further because at the end of the day, yes, it’s about business—but it’s also about impact.

As a leader, your influence extends far beyond quarterly earnings. You shape the daily experience of the people who work for you. Your actions—how you treat people, how you enforce (or ignore) your company’s values—affect their stress levels, their time with family, their health, and their personal growth.

When we talk about culture, we’re really talking about leadership’s impact on thousands of lives.?

That’s the real bottom line. Leadership drives culture. Culture drives performance. And in the end, it all comes back to people.

#csuitestrategies #stephaniewachman #valuesstatements #businessvalues

Stephanie Wachman is the CEO and Founder of Symetree Strategies, a leading professional services firm that excels in crafting and implementing leadership, team programs, and change readiness strategies to drive performance.

Stephanie is an international speaker, author, Fortune 500 executive coach, and strategist who works with organizations and law firms to create more efficient work environments through her coaching, training, and consulting services.?

Stephanie is a recognized voice and a thought leader in the areas of business development, firm strategy, productivity, and stress management. Book a call with Stepanie to learn how Symetree Strategies can add value to your business and your life.?