Realizing Core Values

Leading at Light Speed is an excellent leadership book by Eric Douglas showing you step-by-step how to implement 10 Quantum Leaps that build trust, spark innovation, and create a high-performing organization.

Chapter One of Leading at Light Speed is all about discovering core values.

What is a simple means of ascertaining the core values of an organization? What steps should you take? How does the process start? Developing core values begins with exploring a question like: “What would someone who was acting in the best interest of this organization do to ensure its success?” This is the essence of John Rawls’ “neutral man” standard, which he articulated in his groundbreaking book A Theory of Justice. It is important that core values are considered in a balanced manner. To make it easier, I’ve discovered there are a minimum of seven core values that companies need to explore.

Sustainability.
Team Member Excellence.
Conscientious Honesty.
Reliability.
Service Satisfaction.
Safety.
Environmental Policy.

Why these seven? Regardless of product or service, customer satisfaction and credibility are key, since they are basic to attracting and retaining clientele. Ethical integrity is essential as well. Given the transparency revolution, companies simply risk too much by not behaving ethically. Appealing to and maintaining talented people is also essential. Attracting them enables an organization to perform at a high level. Retaining them enables an organization to build a culture of excellence (and avoid the inevitable costs when talented people walk out the door). Safety is critical to success in many companies. And environmental protection is now seen by many companies to be a core value, both because it’s the right thing to do, and because ignoring one’s impacts on the environment can lead to customer backlash and financial ruin. and finally, financial sustainability is essential. No enterprise can sustain itself without financial resources.

In short, these core values encompass what is essential to the success of virtually every type of organization. Considering each one of them is part and parcel of diligence and purpose.. this is just the starting point, however. Each core value has features that need to be developed. These include practices known as “we statements”, supporting each essential purpose. You also have to peg the core values to a scorecard, so you can measure whether they’re being achieved.

Take this free work survey to discover how well your company measures up to the 10 Quantum Leaps.