Establishing core values in your business is one of the most important yet often underrated things you can do.
When I launched our 3D Printing business 4 years ago, it was one of the first things that I did. And I made a point of making them front and centre on our website and in our work place.
So why on earth would this matter?
I think we’ve all experienced working with people (whether team members or clients) who we wouldn’t necessarily describe as a “right fit”.
But immediately out of the gates, you have a tremendous opportunity to put a stake in the ground and say, this is who we are and this is what we stand for (and against).
And as a result of being intentional and public about it through both your mission, purpose and your core values, something magical begins to happen.
They act as a powerful magnet in two important ways…
By simultaneously attracting and repelling the right and wrong people into and away from your world.
I can remember going to the local engineering department at the university to hire Engineering interns through their co-op program…
Because of our vision and core values, I was able to secure my pick of the top students who were fighting for the opportunity to work with our new startup.
Fast forward 4 years later and by having attracted quality team members, we’ve managed to grow one of the largest 3D Print businesses in Western Canada.
And it all started with establishing our values.
So how can you start?
Well one of our core values is “discover and create” — and I think there’s no shame in borrowing from others in this instance.
And secondly think about your mission and purpose. If you’re trying to colonize Mars, what kind of people will you NEED on your team in order to give you a fighting chance of getting there?
Describe them all, make them real and publish them for the world to see.
Make them a part of your hiring process and a part of your review process and watch the magic begin to unfold.
