Company values are often included in business planning and operations literature. Many US businesses have established their own set of values at some point. We displayed our company values on our intranet and discussed them with prospective employees during interviews. However, it was only after reading Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gin Wickman and adopting EOS that we truly recognized the significance of company values.
During the EOS process, we engaged in introspection to identify the values that truly resonate with us. After careful consideration and extensive contemplation, we established the set of values that we expect every individual in our company to exemplify consistently in all their daily interactions.
Having the right values and fostering a culture that reinforces them can yield significant benefits, even though some may dismiss values as mere company jargon. A manager shared a powerful anecdote that exemplified the importance of values. In this instance, the manager wanted to honor a retiring employee and delegated the task of purchasing a retirement gift to a team member. To the manager’s disappointment, the employee returned with a wristwatch purchased for a mere $20. The manager’s intention was to convey sincere appreciation, and the inexpensive watch did not align with this sentiment. The discrepancy arose from contrasting values: the purchaser prioritized thriftiness, whereas the manager valued the message behind the gift, regardless of cost. This subtle difference in values had a profound impact on the outcome.
Examples such as the ones mentioned above, along with the significant change observed at meshVI following the implementation of our core values, fill us with pride as we express our driving force. Regular assessments of one another’s adherence to these values are an integral part of our identity and fundamental principles.
meshVI Core Values
- Dependable: Dependability = credibility. We always strive to do what we say we are going to do and do it with excellence. To us this means being responsible, thoughtful, thorough and paying attention to details so we are reliable.
- Win Together: Our whole is greater than the sum of our parts. We accomplish a lot together and enjoy it along the way. To do that we are empathetic towards each other, are our authentic selves and we support each other each day.
- Open-Minded Curiosity: The biggest hindrance to learning is thinking you already know the answer. We foster a culture of curiosity and transparency and listen with a “beginners mindset”. This ensures we are adaptable and evolving as individuals and an organization.
- Humbly Proud: We celebrate what we have accomplished and are passionate about what we are working towards. But we know there’s always room for improvement, so we assess our own work honestly, are first to admit our shortcomings and push ourselves and others to improve.
- Deliver WOW: We are innovators, that means we are always seeking the most impactful and simple solutions. We don’t want to let “what is” keep us from “what can be”. This means we want to exceed expectations with positive, optimistic and realistic attitudes in all that we do.
The values of a company are the foundation on which it is built. They define its culture, guide its decisions, and shape its reputation. When a company’s values are aligned with its employees’ beliefs, it fosters a sense of purpose and belonging. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity, reduced turnover rates, and improved customer satisfaction. Therefore, it is crucial for companies to take the time to establish clear and meaningful values that employees can embrace and embody. By doing so, they will not only create a positive work environment but also differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Clearly, company values matter and should be given the attention they deserve.
Tiana Schowe, COO & Co-Founder of meshVI