A values-driven business will confirm that every company decision is in line with its core values. Companies want to create values that meet their business goals and create the right culture for their clients and employees. A values-driven business sends out a message that the company cares more about simply making a sale. Examples of values for a business include affordability, reliability, honesty, integrity and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
\r\nValues-driven business benefits are felt throughout the entire corporation. By following your company's core values and setting an example for all employees, you are helping with the sustainability of the brand. Customer satisfaction levels will surge for a value-driven business and employees are more likely to respect your company vision.
\r\nMany of today's companies place a big emphasis on their core values. They come up with a few words or phrases that sound positive and aspirational: integrity, growth, collaboration, innovation, quality, service, etc. Then they post them on a website or hang them up on the wall and expect everybody to take them to heart.
\r\nTo truly call yourself a \"values-driven\" business, you must do more than talk about your values. You need to lead by example and create a culture where every team member is inspired to live those values day-to-day.
\r\nWhat does it look like to have your employees – or co-workers, as we call them at Fantastapack – be fully engaged in promoting the company's culture and values in their everyday work? For us, it's about having a shared purpose. It's about asking the question, \"Why do we get up every morning and come to work?\" and having everyone feel connected to the answer. In a values-driven business, everyone wants to feel good about who they work for and why they're here at your company.
\r\nYour company's defined core values are just words. What you're really trying to get across to your entire organization is culture – a culture that lives those words.
\r\nIn marketing, there's an adage called the Rule of Seven, which says you have to tell people something seven times before they actually \"hear\" it. That's why we keep repeating and reinforcing our culture to our co-workers in everything we do. We speak about our values repeatedly, through different methods, and really try to integrate them into a lot of activities so they're not just a sign on the wall or something we talk about once a year.
\r\nOne of the things we drive home with our co-workers is that our values can't live and die in a manual. We have to live it every day. We speak to them directly about it and why it matters, and then we task them with it: \"It's up to you to bring these values to life.\"
\r\nTo that end, we try and weave those values into different things we do, like our \"Co-worker Caught Doing Right\" award. A team member is nominated for this award by exemplifying one of the company's core values. We print out a story relating to how they exemplify that value and post it throughout all of our locations. By the end of the year, we've got 12 stories about co-workers demonstrating our values in different ways, which truly shows how they're living the culture.
\r\nOnce you have a solid, values-based internal culture, you should share that with your community and the world at large. The best way to do this is to choose a cause that authentically connects and resonates with the culture you've built – in other words, find the right way to give back in a meaningful way for your business.
\r\nFor example, we recently launched a partnership with a nonprofit called One Tree Planted where a portion of every Fantastapack order funds the planting of one tree. When I was looking into what Fantastapack could do to be more conscious of the market ecosystem we're involved in, I immediately thought of trees and reforestation because our product, custom corrugated cardboard boxes, ultimately comes from trees. I realized that this was the most impactful partnership that we could form to participate in reforestation because it aligns perfectly with our commitment to using sustainable materials in our products.
\r\nIdentifying and supporting a cause that matches your company's values is just one of many different ways to live out your culture. The most important thing is to keep talking about it with your team members. If it just lives on a sign in your reception area, that's not good enough. You have to find multiple channels to reach them. As long as you're being authentic, living your values and creating buy-in among your team, weaving those values into all of your business activities will become second nature.
\r\nUltimately, companies are comprised of human beings, and human beings have a higher purpose. They want to intrinsically feel a connection, both to each other and to a cause greater than themselves. When your business and its culture are driven by shared core values, you're helping your team find that higher purpose in their lives.
\n","docType":"article","guid":"articles_7c9b8d2942cb8a297b1bd17109c945b5","lastModified":"2020-04-06T19:39:00.000Z","published":"2018-08-21T15:30:00.000Z","structuredData":null,"subtitle":"Your company's defined values are just words. What you need is a culture that lives those words. Here's how to get to the core of your culture.","template":"v1","title":"More Than Words: How to Create a Values-Driven Business","type":"article","author":{"avatar":null,"bio":"The purpose of our community is to connect small business owners with experienced industry experts who can address their questions, offer direction, and share best practices.","name":"business.com editorial staff","image":null,"slug":null,"social":{"facebook":"","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-com-/","twitter":"https://twitter.com/businessdotcom","website":"https://www.business.com/"},"status":"enabled","title":null,"type":"Old BDC Member","user":{"imagePath":"https://staging.business.com/images/uploads/user/profile/b14a2c1fa0158a2f46854597139a2067ee8ef.jpg","profile":{"company":"","jobTitle":"","website":"https://www.business.com/"}}},"breadcrumbs":null,"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Human Resources","slug":"human-resources"},"sub":{"name":"HR Solutions","slug":"hr-solutions"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"Your company's defined values are just words. What you need is a culture that lives those words. Here's how to get to the core of your culture.","title":"How to Create a Values-Driven Company Culture - business.com"},"parsedContent":{"toc":[{"id":"what-is-a-values-driven-business","title":"What is a values-driven business?"},{"id":"the-benefits-of-a-value-driven-business","title":"The benefits of a value-driven business"},{"id":"how-to-get-to-the-core-of-your-culture","title":"How to get to the core of your culture"},{"id":"going-beyond-the-words","title":"Going beyond the words"},{"id":"connecting-your-culture-to-a-cause","title":"Connecting your culture to a cause"}],"json":[{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":["A value-driven business abides by its core values throughout the organization."]},{"component":"li","children":["A values-driven business model creates a positive environment for employees, managers and clients to thrive."]},{"component":"li","children":["Managers should set an example and get involved in positive efforts for a company, including charitable giving."]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"what-is-a-values-driven-business"},"children":["What is a values-driven business?"]},{"component":"p","children":["A values-driven business will confirm that every company decision is in line with its core values. Companies want to create values that meet their business goals and create the right culture for their clients and employees. A values-driven business sends out a message that the company cares more about simply making a sale. Examples of values for a business include affordability, reliability, honesty, integrity and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction."]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"the-benefits-of-a-value-driven-business"},"children":["The benefits of a value-driven business"]},{"component":"p","children":["Values-driven business benefits are felt throughout the entire corporation. By following your company's core values and setting an example for all employees, you are helping with the sustainability of the brand. Customer satisfaction levels will surge for a value-driven business and employees are more likely to respect your company vision."]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"how-to-get-to-the-core-of-your-culture"},"children":["How to get to the core of your culture"]},{"component":"p","children":["Many of today's companies place a big emphasis on their core values. They come up with a few words or phrases that sound positive and aspirational: integrity, growth, collaboration, innovation, quality, service, etc. Then they post them on a website or hang them up on the wall and expect everybody to take them to heart."]},{"component":"p","children":["To truly call yourself a \"values-driven\" business, you must do more than talk about your values. You need to lead by example and create a culture where every team member is inspired to live those values day-to-day."]},{"component":"p","children":["What does it look like to have your employees – or co-workers, as we call them at ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.fantastapack.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow"},"children":["Fantastapack"]}," – be fully engaged in promoting the company's culture and values in their everyday work? For us, it's about having a shared purpose. It's about asking the question, \"Why do we get up every morning and come to work?\" and having everyone feel connected to the answer. In a values-driven business, everyone wants to feel good about who they work for and why they're here at your company."]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"going-beyond-the-words"},"children":["Going beyond the words"]},{"component":"p","children":["Your company's defined core values are just words. What you're really trying to get across to your entire organization is culture – a culture that lives those words."]},{"component":"p","children":["In marketing, there's an adage called the ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.thebabyboomerentrepreneur.com/258/what-is-the-rule-of-seven-and-how-will-it-improve-your-marketing/","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow"},"children":["Rule of Seven"]},", which says you have to tell people something seven times before they actually \"hear\" it. That's why we keep repeating and reinforcing our culture to our co-workers in everything we do. We speak about our values repeatedly, through different methods, and really try to integrate them into a lot of activities so they're not just a sign on the wall or something we talk about once a year."]},{"component":"p","children":["One of the things we drive home with our co-workers is that our values can't live and die in a manual. We have to live it every day. We speak to them directly about it and why it matters, and then we task them with it: \"It's up to you to bring these values to life.\""]},{"component":"p","children":["To that end, we try and weave those values into different things we do, like our \"Co-worker Caught Doing Right\" award. A team member is nominated for this award by exemplifying one of the company's core values. We print out a story relating to how they exemplify that value and post it throughout all of our locations. By the end of the year, we've got 12 stories about co-workers demonstrating our values in different ways, which truly shows how they're living the culture."]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"connecting-your-culture-to-a-cause"},"children":["Connecting your culture to a cause"]},{"component":"p","children":["Once you have a solid, values-based internal culture, you should share that with your community and the world at large. The best way to do this is to choose a cause that authentically connects and resonates with the culture you've built – in other words, find the right way to give back in a meaningful way for your business."]},{"component":"p","children":["For example, we ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://blog.fantastapack.com/every-order-plants-a-tree","target":"_blank","rel":"nofollow"},"children":["recently launched a partnership with a nonprofit called One Tree Planted"]}," where a portion of every Fantastapack order funds the planting of one tree. When I was looking into what Fantastapack could do to be more conscious of the market ecosystem we're involved in, I immediately thought of trees and reforestation because our product, custom corrugated cardboard boxes, ultimately comes from trees. I realized that this was the most impactful partnership that we could form to participate in reforestation because it aligns perfectly with our commitment to using sustainable materials in our products."]},{"component":"p","children":["Identifying and supporting a cause that matches your company's values is just one of many different ways to live out your culture. The most important thing is to keep talking about it with your team members. If it just lives on a sign in your reception area, that's not good enough. You have to find multiple channels to reach them. As long as you're being authentic, living your values and creating buy-in among your team, weaving those values into all of your business activities will become second nature."]},{"component":"p","children":["Ultimately, companies are comprised of human beings, and human beings have a higher purpose. They want to intrinsically feel a connection, both to each other and to a cause greater than themselves. When your business and its culture are driven by shared core values, you're helping your team find that higher purpose in their lives."]}]},"resource":null,"sponsorship":{"sponsorType":"","name":null,"thumbnail":null,"bio":null,"slug":null,"status":null,"social":{"website":null,"linkedin":null,"twitter":null,"facebook":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/content/5b7/ae7f292a3a4f13e8b456b/1500-0-","caption":"Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock","isBlurred":false},"bestPicks":null},"related":{"relatedArticles":[{"title":"From COVID-19 to Hurricane Season: Disaster Preparedness for Small Business","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/business-disaster-prep/","slug":"business-disaster-prep","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5e7/a495e5a215eb11d8b4569/1500-0-","dek":"Natural disasters – whether a hurricane, tornado or outbreak like COVID-19 – can have a disastrous effect on small businesses, but they don't have to. Here's how to weather a disaster successfully.","lastModified":"2020-03-25T15:19:00Z","published":"2018-09-26T07:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"How to Hire for Your Business","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/how-to-staff-business/","slug":"how-to-staff-business","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5ea/9c8bb9c658aee018b456c/1500-0-","dek":"Sterling Staffing Solutions CEO Stephen Carter shares his tips on staffing your business.","lastModified":"2020-07-31T15:00:00Z","published":"2018-08-16T12:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"Helpful Tips for Maximizing Employee Productivity in a World of Distractions","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/helpful-tips-for-maximizing-employee-productivity-in-a-world-of-distractions/","slug":"helpful-tips-for-maximizing-employee-productivity-in-a-world-of-distractions","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/channel/human-resources.jpg","dek":"Ultimately, maximizing productivity comes down to hiring, but these 3 tips can provide the boost you need for motivating your employees.","lastModified":"2015-09-25T17:30:00Z","published":"2015-09-25T17:30:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"What Your Business Can Learn From Peter Drucker","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/management-theory-of-peter-drucker/","slug":"management-theory-of-peter-drucker","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5cf/dd1449c658a33728b456e/1500-0-","dek":"Learn about Peter Drucker's management theory and how it can help your business.","lastModified":"2019-10-11T12:20:00Z","published":"2019-10-11T12:20:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"Unlimited PTO – How Your Business Can Offer It as a Company Perk","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/how-to-offer-unlimited-employee-vacation-time/","slug":"how-to-offer-unlimited-employee-vacation-time","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5b0/81be592a3a46e1b8b459b/1500-0-","dek":"Learn about the benefits of offering unlimited PTO, and how to implement it in your SMB.","lastModified":"2018-05-25T14:45:00Z","published":"2018-05-25T14:45:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"How to Say 'No' in Business","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/how-to-say-no-in-business/","slug":"how-to-say-no-in-business","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5a7/4bc2492a3a4420a8b4577/1500-0-","dek":"Drawing firm but friendly boundaries leads to greater satisfaction, for you and clients.","lastModified":"2018-02-02T08:00:00Z","published":"2018-02-02T08:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"How to Implement Continuous Performance Management","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/continuous-performance-management/","slug":"continuous-performance-management","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5aa/84ca892a3a444178b4586/1500-0-","dek":"Successfully transform how you conduct employee reviews using these six steps.","lastModified":"2020-07-01T16:39:00Z","published":"2018-03-13T07:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"Delegate or Die – The Only Way to Grow Your Business","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/delegate-or-die/","slug":"delegate-or-die","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5b5/a95791039ebb1398b456e/1500-0-","dek":"Learn how to effectively delegate tasks to qualified employees.","lastModified":"2018-07-27T07:00:00Z","published":"2018-07-27T07:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"What to Do if ICE Serves Your Business With a Form I-9 Audit","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/ice-serves-i-9-audit/","slug":"ice-serves-i-9-audit","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5e6/64def7b43740a2a8b456e/1500-0-","dek":"Make sure you're prepared should Immigration and Customs Enforcement come knocking.","lastModified":"2020-03-10T15:00:00Z","published":"2018-09-17T18:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"Helpful Tips for Maximizing Employee Productivity in a World of Distractions","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/articles/helpful-tips-for-maximizing-employee-productivity-in-a-world-of-distractions/","slug":"helpful-tips-for-maximizing-employee-productivity-in-a-world-of-distractions","thumbnail":"https://staging.business.com/images/content/560/578462f87b1511c8b458d/1500-0-","dek":"Ultimately, maximizing productivity comes down to hiring, but these 3 tips can provide the boost you need for motivating your employees.","lastModified":"2019-07-31T20:56:57Z","published":"2015-09-25T17:30:00Z","sponsored":null},{"title":"Are You Paying a Living Wage?","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/small-business-living-wage/","slug":"small-business-living-wage","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5a9/4732251ee479b088b4580/1500-0-","dek":"Employees who earn enough to get by improve performance and overall business.","lastModified":"2018-02-27T13:00:00Z","published":"2018-02-27T13:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"How to Effectively Minimize Employees Wasting Time at Work","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/minimize-wasted-time/","slug":"minimize-wasted-time","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5ad/f3a481039eb672b8b457b/1500-0-","dek":"If you're not proactive, your team might spend more time on social media than their work.","lastModified":"2020-03-11T15:09:00Z","published":"2018-04-24T14:00:00Z","sponsored":false}],"relatedReviews":[{"doc_type":"category","thumbnail":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5e00ccda9c658a423d8b4569/HR_People_fizkes_Getty.jpg","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/categories/best-peo-services/","title":"The Best PEO Service Providers of 2021","dek":"Professional employer organization services can simplify your human resource responsibilities. Learn about the best PEOs available for your small business.","slug":"best-peo-services","lastModified":"2021-03-23T19:45:00Z"},{"doc_type":"category","thumbnail":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5dfbca819c658adc118b4568/Payroll_AndreyPopov_Getty.jpg","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/categories/online-payroll-services/","title":"The Best Online Payroll Services of 2021","dek":"Our team has compared the best online payroll services for 2021. See up-to-date reviews and costs for the top services.","slug":"online-payroll-services","lastModified":"2021-03-19T20:05:00Z"},{"doc_type":"category","thumbnail":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5d85356c7b43745d448b458d/hroutsourcing_fizkes.jpg","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/categories/best-hr-outsourcing-services/","title":"The Best HR Outsourcing Services of 2021","dek":"Human resource outsourcing services can simplify your human resource responsibilities. Learn about the best HROs available for your small business.","slug":"best-hr-outsourcing-services","lastModified":"2021-03-11T17:15:00Z"}],"relatedSponsoredArticles":null}},"pageContext":{"displayModified":"2020-04-06T19:39:00.000Z","template":"v1","title":"More Than Words: How to Create a Values-Driven Business","meta":{"robots":"index, follow"},"docType":"articles","slug":"values-driven-business-culture","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/articles/values-driven-business-culture/","skipTOC":false}},"staticQueryHashes":[]}