We’re a nonprofit. Employees should feel good about the work.

Even in the most vision-driven organizations, with employees deeply connected to the vision, the work environment may be toxic. Core Values support your vision and mission, but they also shape the culture of your organization. They are a framework for expected behavior and the benchmark for decision-making.

Core Values should be brief, between 3-5, otherwise it will be difficult to recall them.

EXAMPLE:

Joe is a junior-level employee but has a new product idea. He asks his boss if he can take on exploring this new idea.

A: One of the organization’s four core values is Empowerment - encouraging employees to take initiative, lead, make decisions, and learn by doing. Using this core value as a benchmark, the supervisor should consider Joe’s request. Although there may be other factors that do not allow for Joe to take on the project, the Core Value of Empowerment means that the request should be considered without immediate dismissal.

Read this brief article from 7 Geese on why core values are important. Then use our Core Values Tool to work on your organization’s values.