Core Values and Why They Matter
So what are Core Values anyway?
Core values give a sense of belonging, a sense of commitment; they are a guide for when things are difficult or hard. It’s important to live them and know them. Owning a business can be hard, working with people can be hard, but with core values, it’s easy to check in with yourself and your team.
Keep it Classy
High standards and accountability for all things.
We’re not talking about expensive stuff or an office that smells of rich mahogany, just be a well-behaved human...most of the time! Keep it classy means, write your emails as if they could be read out loud to your team, a group of mentors, or your grandma...even when you want to say, “What in the f were you thinking!?!” Keep a high standard for your own behavior and those around you.
Know What Matters
Big picture, not the problem at hand.
This might be the most important core value of all, knowing what matters, when it matters, and acknowledging there really is no finish line. Have the ability to know when you can let balls drop and when you can’t. And if you struggle with recognizing that because you love to get straight As, let yourself listen to the person next to you, because “It’s ok.”
Engaged
Committed, energetic, positive, and focused.
Don’t half-ass it, and if the glass is half empty, drink it, refill it, and refocus that energy. Why? Because that’s what we do. There’s no room for negativity at this table.
PS: We expect the same from our clients.
Problem Solvers
No problems, just solutions
We understand not everyone is a problem solver, but no one likes a complainer. You don’t have to be the world's greatest problem solver in the room, just leave the judgment behind, and get ready to brainstorm, because we’re finding a solution.
Authentic
Genuine and Transparent
Be genuine and transparent, we say a lot around here, “Clear is kind.” Embrace the unique, be true to who you are, but if being a jerk is true to who you are, we don’t have time for you. We value speaking up but this also means listening. Again, just be a good human.
Stay Curious
Never stop asking “Why?”
This core value probably has to do with the fact that Vivian and Machaela are both a little nerdy at heart. Machaela read, did science experiments on the weekends, and Vivian was homeschooled, she was always on time and sat in the front row. But really, we love learning, self-growth, a good challenge, and coaching others. When you stop asking questions, you stop learning.
Create Delight
Anticipate and excite
What’s better than making someone’s day? Whether an act of kindness, a high-five, or blowing a client’s vision out of the water, creating delight is going above the expectation. It’s good for everyone involved. Show up, take pride in what you do, and lift others up.
Developing our Core Values was a process that consisted of a series of brainstorming sessions, sleeping on it, talking about it, and really digging into the kind of people we strive to be, the business we want, and the type of people we want to work with.