Let’s focus on your business first. Why is it important to communicate your company’s core values to your staff, customers, vendors, funders, advisors, and others involved with your business? The primary reason is that your company’s core values are the framework for the company’s culture. Company or “Corporate” Culture is defined as a “set of beliefs and behaviors that guide how a company’s management and employees interact and handle external business transactions.” Do you see the connection to a company’s core values? Corporate culture is a huge topic far beyond the limitations of this post. However, it is important to understand that your personal core values, the personal values of people you hire or choose to do business with, and the values you hold for your business impact the culture of your business. It is easier to create the culture of your company than it is to transform a culture that has gone astray. The same holds for the culture of your personal life.

For more info, see The Value of Core Values

Communicating your company’s core values is important because:

There are many ways to communicate your company’s core values. Let’s start with the big picture first. During strategic planning, a Core Values Statement is typically created. These state the fundamental beliefs of the business. The formats vary. Use whatever format works best for you. Here are a few different formats.

But having a formal Core Values Statement isn’t enough. The core values need to be continually communicated in typical company communications. Here are a few examples to help you brainstorm how you can communicate your core values:

There can be serious consequences for not communicating your business’ core values. Without a clear understanding of the core values that guide decisions and behavior, employees/vendors/customers can end up feeling disconnected and confused. It can result in low morale, high turnover, and a lack of commitment and loyalty to the company. its goals, and its products and services.

Remember that core values describe your fundamental beliefs for why you do what you do. They don’t describe what you do. Rather, they describe the reasons behind what you do. Keep the words as simple as possible so even people outside your organization will understand your values.