Writing a Value Statement: The Articulation of Core Values

A Value Statement is an articulated ideology expressing the principles and operating philosophy of an organization. It serves as the bedrock of workplace culture, defining the principles that drive decision-making and employee behavior.

Identifying Company Core Values

Core values are fundamental beliefs that shape a company’s identity and influence how it operates. Every organization is different, but most values-driven companies include integrity, respect, collaboration, sustainability, innovation, excellence, and customer service. 

To determine your company core values, it is recommended to build them around your people. Schedule a meeting with your leadership team and go over a list of qualities they exemplify; narrow it down to what is truly important– strikethrough the ones that are not important, and combine those that are similar. A good rule of thumb in selecting company core values is to limit them between three to seven. 

Writing A Value Statement 

With your finalized core values in mind, you’re set to put it into statements. Take your core values and phrase them into actions. One by one, turn these nouns or adjectives into extended statements or full sentences. The key to writing a Value Statement is to keep it unique, emotion-evoking, concise, and jargon-free. Every word within your Value Statement should have equal importance and meaning; this will affect how memorable and impactful it is. 

Communicating Core Values After Writing A Value Statement 

After writing a Value Statement, communicate it internally and externally. Introduce your value statements to the organization by delivering a speech instead of simply sending an email to your employees. Schedule some time to get everyone familiar with the value statements. Make room for questions and conversation and clear up any confusion from the get-go to streamline implementation. 

Values alignment affects consumer awareness and loyalty which is why companies should ensure that their values are communicated externally, too. Know where your audience gets their content and make sure your message is consistent across channels and platforms. What you’re communicating externally should be a living, breathing example of your Value Statements; there shouldn’t be a disconnect! Exemplify values in every interaction possible.  

Upholding Company Value Statements 

Get started in writing a Value Statement, make it part of your daily routine, and be the organization remembered for the impact you’ve made through upholding your core values. Value Statements are known to be an organization’s brand identity. Some refer to value statements as the “soul” or “heart” of a company; others refer to it as their statement of beliefs or “code of ethics.” No matter what you call it, Value Statements serve as an important guideline for your stakeholders to understand who you are, what you stand for and what’s important to you as a company. Which is why Value Statements could only be as good as the actions behind it. Ensure that these are integrated into everyday operations. Hold everyone accountable for deviating from the company’s core values and recognize & those who truly embody it.