INTRODUCTION
When we map out our dreams and how to achieve them in business, we have a plan. When we are clear in why we are in business, we have purpose. When we choose the impact we want to have on others we define the legacy we want to leave behind.
All well and good. But what about the character of our actions along the way? Surely, the character we embody as a business is as important as the things we hope to achieve. Character defines our reliability, our trustworthiness, and our sincerity behind our intentions. In business like anything in life, there are things we are not willing to do in order to achieve our dreams will define the character of our business and brand.
VALUES
Our business character is defined by the way in which we consciously choose to live the values we have selected. Simply put, values are whatever matters to us. They are beliefs or ideals we aspire to. Values serve to set a standard for how we behave. We choose values and that’s why they are always based in beliefs that matter to us. As such, values are principles that help us differentiate between right and wrong while providing general guidance for individual behavior. Common examples of values are honesty, kindness, fairness and generosity.
By consciously choosing the values a business wants to operate by, we are choosing what behaviors we will not sacrifice on our way to achieving our goals. We are defining the character of our business.
This understanding is essential to sustainable success. You can sacrifice your values to obtain goals once or maybe even twice, however, the ongoing sacrifice of values will mean going against what matters to you and your organization which is not sustainable.
CONCLUSION
Values clarify expectations for behavior. They set a standard people are proud to aspire to live. When chosen in support of a meaningful purpose and legacy, our business has the essential elements required to motivate and inspire people to face difficult challenges, journey through a changing and uncertain landscape and to achieve ambitious growth.
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