How to write core values your team actually uses

01

Values are decisions

A value is only useful if it helps someone choose between two good options. ‘Integrity’ never settled an argument. ‘We would rather lose a client than fake a deadline’ does.

02

Write them like a person

Drop the abstract nouns. Write each value as a sentence a colleague would actually say out loud, and include the trade-off you are willing to make.

• Make each value specific enough to disagree with.

• Name what you will give up to keep it.

• Keep the list short enough to remember.

03

Live with them first

Test your draft values for a month before you publish them. Use them in hiring, reviews and project kick-offs. The ones that survive are the ones worth keeping.