Ever since Built to Last <\/i><\/a><\/span>was published in 1994, companies have been \u201ccore value\u201d happy. Walk into almost any corporate office and you’re bound to see words like INTEGRITY, TEAMWORK, and this a good one, QUALITY, displayed on lackluster decals. Actually, there\u2019s a better chance that you\u2019ll gloss right over them – but they are there. Attempting to implement core values in this way is not only ineffective, but potentially harmful to your business. Thankfully, there is a more effective alternative- guiding principles<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n If you Google either of these phrases, you\u2019ll likely find a lot of overlapping definitions. Before we continue, let\u2019s define them for ourselves to avoid any confusion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Core Values- <\/b><\/span>the fundamental beliefs of an organization. These are generally crafted to be used internally through strategy, marketing, and sales, but often end up in external messaging as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Guiding Principles- <\/b><\/span>actionable principles that govern the culture of your brand from the inside out. These are used to form your brand culture and company language.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The biggest difference between the two is the emphasis on action. Core values are often hollow adjectives, and provide staff with little practical guidance. On the other hand, guiding principles are actually meant to be used <\/i>on a daily basis. Ultimately, they outline the way that your team goes about achieving their work, and help guide decision making.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n To understand the role that guiding principles can play in your business, let\u2019s take a little step back. Try to recall your company\u2019s point of conception. Not the day that you formed your LLC, or the day you moved into your first office space, but the moment when the idea for your business first crossed your mind. It was at this point that you discovered your WHY- the initial inspiration that led to the creation of your business. This is also commonly referred to as your vision.<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your vision serves as the inspiration for you and your team, as well as your audience. Whether you have formally defined it or not, your vision already exists at the core of your company. It is your unwavering desire to see something created, and should never change or pivot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The way in which you set out to achieve your vision is referred to as your mission.<\/b> This is defined by what you do and how you do it. Your mission acts as your guide to seeing your vision realized, but unlike vision, can pivot when needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
Core Values VS. Guiding Principles<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Vision & Mission<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Why Guiding Principles Are Important<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n