The Vision and Mission statements set goals and provide guidance as to how the organization plans to achieve them, but the Values statement provides boundaries on how such success will be achieved and establishes a covenant you ask all stakeholders to accept by answering the question: “How will we behave as we pursue success?”
In today’s world you and your organization are held accountable for their actions by all their stakeholders who reward you for being authentic and transparent. Values statements provide clear outlines of the behavioral standards employees and leadership will hold themselves accountable to. They can be interpreted in greater depth by Codes of Ethics and Conduct or Guiding Principles, but the Values statement cuts to the core of what values are most important in conducting company business and they provide rationale as to why this is important to the culture; they tie specific values to the business benefits that will be realized through living them.
What are characteristics of effective organizational Values Statements?
Values statements:
- are timeless;
- describe traits or qualities that are considered imperative;
- describe actions which demonstrate the authentic values held by leadership, values they embody in their daily business lives;
- illustrate how the organization will behave toward customers, suppliers, employees, partners and other stakeholders;
- identify the business benefits of the values in action;
- are unique and authentic to the organization (even if Values statements are substantively similar to others’ it is important that each organization refine their own list and express them in unique terms they feel passionate about); and
- are in plain English (no marketing lingo)
Example Values Statements
Unless noted otherwise, the statements below were facilitated and written by Magus Consulting.
Defense Contractor
Above all, we are honorable in our actions, and we hold honesty and integrity as our guiding principles.
We recognize that we are privileged to contribute to our employees’ growth and to serve those responsible for securing peace in the world.
Our employees are critical to our success. We value their proficiency, expertise, knowledge and vision. We know that, driven by the imagination and enthusiasm of our employees, our company’s potential is unlimited. We treat all employees with respect and trust, and lead through competence, creativity and teamwork.
Our customers are critical to our success. We are customer-focused and responsive, sensitive to cultural realities and driven to exceed our customers’ expectations. Quality is our signature, and we take pride in everything we do.
Software Company Values Statement
We value our company reputation, and we are proud of the integrity, sincerity and transparency our employees demonstrate every day. Together, we are a learning organization, always listening to our customers and each other and striving to institutionalize the discipline, processes and methodologies that offer them the greatest reliability and quality of experience.
We enjoy working side-by-side with our customers, participating in their enthusiasm for their missions and delivering them solid business value. We enjoy working together as a team, helping each other and the company grow.
Northrop Grumman
(Not Prepared by Magus Consulting)
We, the women and men of NORTHROP GRUMMAN, are guided by the following Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.
We take responsibility for QUALITY…
Our products and services will be "best in class" in terms of value received for dollars paid. We will deliver excellence, strive for continuous improvement and respond vigorously to change. Each of us is responsible for the quality of whatever we do.
We deliver CUSTOMER SATISFACTION…
We are dedicated to satisfying our customers. We believe in respecting our customers, listening to their requests and under-standing their expectations. We strive to exceed their expectations in affordability, quality and on-time delivery.
We provide LEADERSHIP as a company and as individuals…
Northrop Grumman’s leadership is founded on talented employees effectively applying advanced technology, innovative manufacturing and sound business management. We add more value at lower cost with faster response. We each lead through our competence, creativity and teamwork.
We act with INTEGRITY in all we do…
We are each personally accountable for the highest standards of behavior, including honesty and fairness in all aspects of our work. We fulfill our commitments as responsible citizens and employees. We will consistently treat customers and company resources with the respect they deserve.
We value NORTHROP GRUMMAN PEOPLE…
We treat one another with respect and take pride in the significant contributions that come from the diversity of individuals and ideas. Our continued success requires us to provide the education and development needed to help our people grow. We are committed to openness and trust in all relationships.
We regard our SUPPLIERS as essential team members…
We owe our suppliers the same type of respect that we show to our customers. Our suppliers deserve fair and equitable treatment, clear agreements and honest feedback on performance. We consider our suppliers’ needs in conducting all aspects of our business.
Our Five Key Behaviors
– Live the Company Values
– Focus on Operating Excellence
– Act With Speed
– Communicate Openly
– Collaborate Across the Company
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