Business Values

Business Values Word List

Business Values Reflection Worksheet

Business values define how work gets done, not just what an organization claims to believe. When values are clear and practiced consistently, they become a powerful filter for decisions, behavior, and culture.

This exercise is designed to help leaders and teams identify values that are real, actionable, and measurable.

Step 1: Identify Your Core Business Values

Review the list of business values above.

Instructions:

• Circle 5–7 values that best reflect how you believe work should be done in your organization.
  
  

• From those, star ⭐ 2–3 values that are non-negotiable — values you would protect even if they cost short-term profit, speed, or convenience.
  
  

True business values create clarity. They reduce debate, guide decisions, and set behavioral expectations.

Step 2: Pressure-Test Your Business Values

For each ⭐ starred value, answer the questions below.

1. What does this value look like at work?

• What behaviors would a customer or coworker observe?
  
  

• How would this value show up in meetings, decisions, or priorities?
  
  

2. What decisions should this value influence?

• Hiring and promotions
  
  

• Performance reviews
  
  

• Customer commitments
  
  

• Resource allocation
  
  

3. What behaviors would violate this value?

• What actions should not be tolerated?
  
  

• What shortcuts would undermine this value?
  
  

Step 3: Translate Values into Operating Behaviors

Complete the following for each starred value.

Value: ______________________

• We live this value when we:
  (Example: “Address issues directly instead of passing blame.”)
  
  

• We undermine this value when we:
  (Example: “Ignore missed commitments to avoid conflict.”)
  
  

• One behavior we expect consistently:
  (Example: “Follow through on commitments without reminders.”)
  
  

Step 4: Use Values as a Business Filter

Before making key decisions, ask:

• Which value is guiding this decision?
  
  

• If this decision were repeated for a year, what culture would it create?
  
  

• Does this choice strengthen or weaken trust?
  
  

If a value doesn’t influence decisions, it isn’t a value — it’s a slogan.

Closing Reflection

Strong organizations don’t just declare values — they design systems that reinforce them.

Values become culture when they are practiced consistently and protected intentionally.