Corporate values

It’s important to clearly define corporate values for employees, to refine them as the business grows and to reinforce them constantly. Start by:

- Showing what each value “looks like.” For example, if you tell employees one of your values is integrity, give them examples of what integrity in your business looks like (keeping promises to customers and staff members, making good on a damaged shipment), and then execute on those values.

- Making sure your values are "customer-focused," meaning they’re based on what your customers value.

- Giving employees the chance to learn what their own personal values are. Even if employee values are not in sync with corporate values, employees who are clear on their own personal values tend to be more engaged in and committed to their work.

- Reinforcing values by making sure they are an integral part of hiring, orientation and ongoing training programs.

- Revisiting values regularly to determine if they still make sense. Update is necessary.