YFS Magazine (Young, Fabulous and Self-employed) ran an article a while back “100 Core Values from 15 Winning Companies.” They looked at a range of companies, including Zappos, Toms Shoes, Whole Foods, Accenture, Teach for America, Rackspace, A Weber, Barnes & Noble, Google, American Express, Four Season Hotels & Resorts, CarMax, Salesforce.com, Boston Consulting Group, and Quicken Loans.
Sorting the 100 core values by theme, rather than by organization, interesting trends began to emerge. These 15 high-performance companies–across various industries–certainly aim to deliver a whole lot more than profit.
The following list is presented in order of the frequency with which the value was mentioned (the number reflects the instances in which that concept was listed).
A group at Stanford Graduate School of Business took another stab at determining which core values matter most, by asking alumni “What values are important to you in business?” Key themes emerging from their interviews included, treating others the way you want to be treated (Respect), Integrity, Open and honest communication, Trust, Appreciation, Honesty, Passion, Transparency, and Making a difference.
With Social Responsibility and Customer Service topping the list, it is impressive to see companies looking outside themselves.
Several tools can help your group discuss and promote your organization’s core values:
Sometimes GREAT work happens in small ways. Let people know you’ve noticed the big and small efforts they make each day to contribute to your organization, promote its mission, and create positivity.
Use carbonless Kudos to give recognition and keep a record of it! Each time you send someone a note of appreciation, you’ll have a duplicate to keep in your file — or pass on to a manager or mentor who might want to know about your hero’s achievements.
Each page is printed with: “I noticed… you took our values to heart”. Check off the appropriate boxes and include your own “from the heart” message.
NOTE: Set includes 3 pads; each pad is 4.25″ x 5.5″ and has 50 2-part carbonless sets.
Alternatively, try KUDOS Note Pads that let you acknowledge a colleague’s efforts to implement core values.
Send the message that you mean business when it comes to creating a positive corporate culture or learning environment.
Give each colleague a “Positivity Pack” with key icons that reflect your organization’s values and personality. For instance, you might include:
Individuals must always lead by their example to their peers. In addition, one must treat other persons in the same way, you will like to be treated. When you show others respect, you will earn respect in return from them.