Embedding Core Values into Your Business Decisions

This article was provided by our friend, Kristen David. Her company, Upleveling Your Business, empowers business owners to build thriving, profitable businesses run with systems. Learn more at www.uplevelingyourbusiness.com.

Have you ever gone to a website and read about the company’s Core Values? It’s something that I always enjoy reading; it gives me a better sense of who l might be working with or purchasing from. It helps me to build an immediate sense of rapport, knowing that I align somehow with that company’s values.

However, this is something that I find on very few websites. Much of the time, I find that business owners haven’t really taken the time to think through their Core Values. I understand why – in all the things you have to do as a business owner, sitting down and journaling rarely takes precedence. Believe me, I get it!

Writing out your Core Values is more than just an academic exercise, though; these are the values that provide the foundation for everything you and your team do. 

When you have difficult decisions to make, your Core Values will provide the guidelines you have decided to follow. When you have to make a last-minute decision – especially one that will impact your team, your clients, or your bottom line – your Core Values will make it much easier to make the right choice. 

Determining your Core Values does take a bit of time, but it’s a simpler process than many people think. 

It starts with taking a few minutes to brainstorm. How would you describe your business and your purpose? When you think of what you want your business to be, what words come to mind? 

At this stage, don’t worry about getting it “right” – just jot down whatever comes to mind. Soon, you will start to see patterns forming and you can narrow down your Core Values to 4-6 main ideas. Then, write short statements about how those values apply to your company. If you would like to see an example, here are mine!

Your Core Values serve more purposes, though. For example, they can help you attract the best team members for your company! When you include them in your job ad, your website, and your social media messaging, you will be more likely to attract the people you want on your team and repel the people who would not be a good fit.

When you take the time to get specific about your Core Values, you not only give yourself a good foundation for making business decisions, you also equip your team to take hold of these values and use them in their daily work. In turn, this will come across to your clients and any other companies you work with, presenting a cohesive culture and message. By clearly communicating your company’s values and encouraging your team to adopt them, you will also equip each member of your team for innovation. By utilizing your team’s strengths, you can both increase employee satisfaction and retention and drive your business forward. That’s not bad for a few minutes of brainstorming!

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