A clearly defined set of values is an important part of the foundation of your character and how you perform as a leader. These act as a moral compass that guides you in how you think and act for your organization.
Values differ for each individual. They are influenced by how we are raised, where we live, our religious beliefs, our culture, what we do, and what we learn. What is valued by one person may not be valued by another. As an entrepreneur, it is up to you to breathe the values that are important to you into your business.
Our values can also change over time. What was beneficial to you years a go may no longer suit your purpose for your life or your business. Take time to determine what your true values are and how they help you in your life today.
When you have defined what your values are, then you can look at how those values coincide with what you value for your business. Every business operates under a clearly understood, though often unstated value system. We reflect the characteristics that we value onto our organizations and the team members that play a part in keeping it running. A strong value system can be seen through the culture of a company. The strongest values are developed with the entire organization in mind.
Where cultural values direct how the leadership of an organization and its team within behaves, strategic values are responsible for the decisions made about the operation of the business. These values stand as a framework for the leadership team to use when determining what course of action to take when it comes to the success of the business.
Work with your team to decide what strategic values are important to turning your business into a sustainable brand.