How We Apply Our Core Values
We recently shared a post about the importance of using core values as boundary markers so that we can stay on track with who we’re committed to being as an organization.
Whether you’re looking at core values for a working group, a team, a department, or the whole company, having and communicating around those core values helps us attract those who share our values.
Let me be clear, here, I’m not advocating that we reduce diversity of thought – I would hope that we’re bringing around us people from different backgrounds, with different perspectives, and different life outlooks, with different skills and different strengths - we are, indeed, better together. But what I am advocating for is that to get a team rowing together, so to speak, or functioning at a high level, we need to have a set of values that we share as common ground, common expectations, the “norm” if you will.
Here at Your Clear Next Step, we’ve focused on four simple phrases to describe our core values – that doesn’t mean we don’t value other things or characteristics or behaviors, it just means that these four are really the essence of who we are, at our core, and they are as natural to us as breathing.
If you’ve been following us for years, chances are there’s something in these that appeals to you. Thank you for reading, and for following! In case you’re already practicing some of these skills in your own space, here are a couple of tips we’ve found useful.
We are intentionally, reliably useful.
- What you can expect from us
- Need something? We’ll respond right away with “I’m happy to help” or “How can I help?"
- Did we say we would do something? You can count on us to consistently deliver on our commitments, with the agreed-to-expectations.
- Feeling plenty busy, and maybe a little overwhelmed? We’ll go the extra mile when needed, and we’ll work our tails off to make that extra mile unnecessary for anyone else.
- What can you try at home or at work?
- When someone asks for your help, say a resounding "Yes," with a big ol’ smile, and then actually do what they asked you to. And while you’re at it, look around and see if there’s a way to lighten their load a little based on what you know.
We approach problems with creativity and the art of the possible.
- What you can expect from us
- 2020 throws a pandemic our way? No worries! We’ll stretch and pivot and make all of our curriculum available in virtual formats as well as the in-person we’ve always done.
- Business needs to shift for our customers? Okay, we’ve engaged a wide range of coaches to help meet a new range of demands.
- What can you try at home or at work?
- When your current situation tosses you a lemon you weren’t planning on, instead of letting your fear get the better of you, take the new opportunity in hand and look for ways to make lemonade.
We are positive people-people.
- What you can expect from us
- Attended a class or engaged a coach? We’re here for your good! We love our customers; we love out loud; and we want you to enjoy our presence more than our absence.
- What can you try at home or at work?
- You don’t have to be an extrovert to value people, you just have to look for the good in others. And before sharing a story, check to make sure it meets the Socratic test of true, good, and useful.
Humility alongside confidence.
- What you can expect from us
- Need an example of perfection? Sorry, that’s not us! We work hard to do the right thing, and we’re confident in our expertise, but we’re also deeply committed to getting better, and we’d love to show you what we’re learning, and learn from you, so that together we can all get even better.
- What can you try at home or at work?
- Confidence comes from being good at what you do - so do that! And then, seek and welcome feedback and go out of your way to let others shine.
What about you? We'd love to hear what your core values are either in the comments below or on social media!
