Values-Driven Company
A Values-Driven Company (“VDC”) is one that consistently and predictably makes decisions that align to a small set of values and guiding principles that are most important to the long-term success of the organization.
A “value” is something that you value.
“Core” values are the small (3-5) subset of values that you prioritize above all others.
[At Netflix] our values are shown by who gets rewarded, promoted and let go
“You learn rapidly and eagerly”
“You seek to understand our strategy, market, customers and suppliers”
“You are broadly knowledgeable about business, technology and entertainment”
“You contribute effectively outside of your specialty”
require no external justification; they have intrinsic value and importance to those inside the organization.
values are personal.
if you hope to create, and lead, a values-driven organization, you must start by first identifying the your personal core values and going from there.
Five-Steps: Personal Core Values “Discovery”
Step 1: “Data” Collection
What have been the “peak” experiences of your life?
e. the “best day of my life;” “it doesn’t get any better;” “I was born for this” moments
Of what are you most proud?
e. personal growth; professional achievement; relationships; etc
What makes you angry?
The big things or just little annoyances…
Who are your role models?
“Role models”: Individuals, living or dead, who have achieved something in their life that you hope to achieve in yours
What companies do you most admire?
What organizations do work that you respect? in a way that you admire? or make products that you value?
What are your obsessions?
What do you love? What do you always do? What can’t you live without?
What is your favorite quote?
Something famous or not. A saying that you love (and likely repeat, often).
Step 2: Identify The Values “Implicit” In The Data
For each of your answers, ask yourself “why?” Why did you enjoy that moment? Why did that behavior make you angry? Why do you love that quote? The answers to these questions: values. What are they?
This step in the process should result in a list of anywhere from 15-30 unique values.
Step 3: Identify and Prioritize Your “Core” Values
Step 5: Learn
How have your values helped you? In other words, why do you continue to value these things? How have they value contributed to your success, personally or professionally?
How have your values made your life harder? When we choose to value one thing, we necessarily de-value something else. When or where have these trade-offs hurt you?
Where is there conflict between/among your core values? How might this conflict explain a decision or action that you have resisted taking?
How have your values changed?
References
http://sandsleadership.com/values/