Let’s discuss why core values are important to have in your business
Although the idea of core values may seem like business jargon; give them some thought, they may be more meaningful than it first seems.
Defined or not; most businesses will already have core values, they are the fabric of all organisations, large or small.
Without defining your core values, they cannot be embraced, and once defined, they unlock a wave of potential.
Just a short list of values that are embodied by your company culture will shape the way you deliver the customer experience, build your team company culture, and create great products or services.
“Why is culture so important to a business? Here is a simple way to frame it. The stronger the culture, the less corporate process a company needs. When the culture is strong, you can trust everyone to do the right thing.”
Brian Chesky, Co-founder, and CEO Airbnb
Your core values need defining, not creating
Your core values already exist, though they may be hiding amongst the day-to-day chaos that’s found within your businesses. This list of values can’t be dreamt up, to be effective they must be reflected in your business’ culture.
Anyone can attempt to conceal poor culture behind a list of inspiring core values, but given time, unless these are truly reflected in the company’s culture, cracks will emerge, and the façade will disappear.
Communication. Respect. Integrity. Excellence. A list of core values proudly showcased by a company called Enron in their 2000 Annual report. Enron was declared bankrupt only a year later in a scandal that uncovered billions of dollars in hidden debt. The moral of the story; Core Values bear no meaning unless personified and shared by the people at all levels within a business. This is why there is more to defining your core values than producing a list that sounds impressive. It’s a process that everyone should be involved in.
Your core values are something to shout about
You know who you are as a person, and what type of business you are building, but how will you ensure others do? Making your values clear will attract like-minded people to your business; the staff that you want to work with, and the customers that you want to please. Without making these values known, there is no way of knowing who believes in them and who doesn’t.
EOG’s core values
It would be contradictory to encourage shouting about your core values without showcasing our own! We have spent time as a collective discussing and contemplating; what are the core values that we hold? What are the things that shape how we deliver our services?
These are six core values that we at Edwards of Gwynedd hope resonate with all our clients. They describe how we work, and we hope that you agree that they are Edwards of Gwynedd, in a nutshell:
- Accurate and Transparent
- Go the extra mile
- Think above the line
- Kaizen Attitude
- Lead by Example
- Help as many willing business owners as possible to achieve their goals
Are you sold on the importance of core values?
Take some time to define your business’ core values, and be sure to let us know!
By Andrew Thomas
Andrew would love to hear your thoughts! You can contact him at andrewthomas@edwardsofgwynedd.com
This information is subject to change and is not professional advice. Refer to our disclaimer for more details.
