A values statement is a set of beliefs and principles to guide your company’s activities.
Clearly stated values can help your company react quickly and decisively when the unexpected strikes.
You may not have the luxury of spending weeks or months to develop a values statement, so we show you a quick way to create one to set your company on the right track.
Follow these steps:
1. Select three or four representative groups of employees, including a mix of people from all levels and functions in your company.
2. Have the groups meet on a rather formal basis over a two-to three-month period to come up with values that should guide the behaviour of every employee in the firm.
3. Ask group members to create a short list of the values that they think are most important.
Encourage them to back up this list with their reasons, reminding them that values are often the tiebreakers when it comes to tough management decisions and difficult choices.
4. Bring the lists together and create a priority ranking of all the values suggested.
5. Compose a statement, motto, or credo that includes the most significant and widely held values, along with compelling reasons for those values.
6. Have the groups review and ratify your values statement.
If your company is small, you can follow the steps yourself or with one or two of your colleagues.
