Good core values reflect what your company truly stands for and what makes it unique. In this article, you will find templates that can help you craft strong core values for your business. With the right template, you can create values that inspire your team and resonate with customers.
Understanding Core Values
Core values are key beliefs that shape a company’s culture and guide decisions. They help businesses stay true to their purpose and connect with customers and employees.
Definition and Importance
Core values are the fundamental beliefs that drive a company’s actions. They shape how a business operates and treats its stakeholders. These values act as a compass, helping you make choices that align with your company’s identity.
Core values matter because they:
- Guide decision-making
- Attract like-minded employees and customers
- Build a strong company culture
- Set your business apart from competitors
Core Values vs. Mission Statement
While related, core values and mission statements serve different purposes. Your mission statement explains what your company does and aims to achieve. Core values describe how you’ll behave while pursuing that mission.
Think of your mission as the destination and your core values as the rules of the road. For example, a company’s mission might be “to provide affordable, eco-friendly products.” Its core values could include innovation, sustainability, and customer focus.
Identifying Company’s Unique Values
To find your company’s core values, start by thinking about what matters most to you and your team. Ask yourself:
- What principles guide your decisions?
- What behaviors do you praise in employees?
- What do your best customers appreciate about you?
Look for patterns in your answers. These common themes often point to your true core values.
Once you’ve identified your core values, make sure they’re:
- Clear and easy to understand
- Memorable
- Actionable in daily work
Core Values: Templates and Examples
You can use these templates to create core values that fit your company’s culture and goals:
-
We [action] with [quality]
Example: We innovate with passion -
[Quality] in everything we do
Example: Excellence in everything we do -
We believe in [value]
Example: We believe in sustainability -
[Action] for our [stakeholder]
Example: Deliver for our customers -
[Value] is our priority
Example: Integrity is our priority -
We are committed to [goal]
Example: We are committed to continuous learning -
[Action] with [value]
Example: Lead with empathy -
Our foundation is [value]
Example: Our foundation is trust -
We strive for [goal]
Example: We strive for positive impact -
[Value] drives us
Example: Creativity drives us - More examples: 250+ Best Inspirational Company Core Values (Examples by Industry)
When choosing your core values, you can involve your team in the process. This helps ensure everyone feels connected to and invested in these guiding principles.
Once you’ve selected your core values, make sure to communicate them clearly: you can display them in your office, include them in employee handbooks, and refer to them often in meetings and decisions.
Q & A
What are some examples of company core values in the workplace?
Common core values include integrity, innovation, and teamwork. Some companies focus on customer service or sustainability.
How can one create a compelling value statement for a company?
- Start by brainstorming ideas that reflect your company’s beliefs.
- Choose 3-5 key values that truly represent your organization. (Make them clear and memorable.)
- Use action words to inspire your team.
- Get input from employees at all levels to ensure buy-in.
What are the best practices for writing core values for a business?
- Keep your core values short and simple.
- Use language everyone can understand.
- Make sure they align with your company’s mission and goals.
- Be specific about what each value means in practice.
How do you effectively communicate and display a company’s core values to its team?
- Include core values in onboarding materials for new hires.
- Display them prominently in the office or on your website.
- Discuss them regularly in team meetings.
- Recognize employees who exemplify these values.
- Use them to guide performance reviews and decision-making processes.
Can you provide guidance on formulating a statement of core values?
- Start with a brainstorming session involving key team members: think about what makes your company unique; consider your long-term goals and company culture.
- Draft a list of potential values and narrow it down to the most important ones.
- Use clear, action-oriented language to describe each value (see the templates above).