Leading at Light Speed is an excellent leadership book by Eric Douglas showing you step-by-step how to implement 10 Quantum Leaps that build trust, spark innovation, and create a high-performing organization.

Chapter One of Leading at Light Speed is all about discovering core values.

By what means can the core values of an organization be determined? What steps should you take? What are the beginning actions for the process? A good way to begin developing core values is to consider a questions like: “When acting in the best interest of this organization, what can be done to effect success?” This is the essence of John Rawls’ “neutral man” standard, which he articulated in his groundbreaking book A Theory of Justice. It is important that core values are considered in a balanced manner. To make it easier, I’ve discovered there are a minimum of seven core values that companies need to explore.

Viability.
Employee Quality.
Ethical Integrity.
Reliability.
Customer Satisfaction.
Safety.
Environmental Protection.

Why these seven? Reliability and customer service are clear goals, since these are keystones to bringing and keeping customers, regardless of product or service offered. Ethical integrity is essential as well. Because of business transparency, organizations risk much if not behaving ethically. Attracting and maintaining expert staff is fundamental. Consistent high levels in any organization depend on attracting them. The inevitable financial and work flow costs associated with competent employee non-retention are one of the most important considerations when building an organizational culture of excellence. Many companies emphasize safety as a critical part of their success. Environmental impact is currently seen by many organizations to be a core value, partly due to its moral and ethical aspects, but also as a catalyst to customer loyalty.. and finally, financial sustainability is essential. Without financial resources, the enterprise cannot function.

To sum up, the success of virtually every type of organization must be built on these essential ideas and purposes. By examining each one, all options are analyzed completely.. However, this is only the beginning.. Each core value has features that need to be developed. These include practices known as “we statements”, supporting each essential purpose. Core values must be quantified in order to be measured accurately.

Take this free work survey to discover how well your company measures up to the 10 Quantum Leaps.