So, thinking about the last post in which you chose your values, we are going to take it one step further and ask you to cut them down to just two. Two values that you believe your company is about.
To help you see that this is possible, take a company that has truly dominated their market and look at their slogan. The slogan should, if not spell out their core values, at least give you a hint.
Let's take UPS and 'Consider it Done'. From this slogan, what do you consider to be their core values?
Well, how about professionalism and integrity? Reading their slogan should give you that impression. From the beginning they were so confident that this is what the company was about, they embedded it into their slogan. That is their message. They are authentic (and successful) because they know what they are about.
Now that you can see that companies exist by their values, take it one step further and work out what your number one core value is. Then live by it. Run your company by that value. If it is integrity, look at your slogan, your banner, and your advertising. Consider that UPS doesn't have 'we have integrity' for a slogan, or 'we are professional'. They knew their values so well they created a slogan that 'spoke' it.
When you make a statement to a trade magazine, 'speak' your values. When your staff answer the phone, make sure they communicate your values implicitly. Remind your team of your values during meetings.
Let everyone know, through your values, why they are here working with you. Then you will be an authentic leader, of an authentic company.
Tags: leadership, values