Core Values About Life
Often, when you hear someone discuss why they fell in love with a spouse, they will mention that they have the same values. In this case, they are often talking about core values, or internal beliefs that dictate how life is to be lived.
Some examples of core values people might have about life include:
- A belief, or lack thereof, in God and/or an affiliation with a religious institution
- A belief in being a good steward of resources and in exercising frugality
- A belief that family is of fundamental importance
- A belief that honesty is always the best policy and that trust has to be earned
- A belief in maintaining a healthy work/life balance
Parents also try to instill these types of positive core values in children.
Of course, core values don't always have to be positive. Some people may be driven by self-interest or greed, and these are core values too if they dictate the way the people live their lives.
Corporate Core Values
Companies can have core values as well. These are the guiding principles that help to define how the corporation would behave. They are usually expressed in the corporation's mission statement.
Some examples of core values for a company might include:
- A commitment to sustainability and to acting in an environmentally friendly way. Companies like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry's have environmental sustainability as a core value.
- A commitment to innovation and excellence. Apple Computer is perhaps best known for having a commitment to innovation as a core value. This is embodied by their "Think Different" motto.
- A commitment to doing good for the whole. Google, for example, believes in making a great search engine and building a great company without being evil.
|
