How Core Values Can Help Your Organization

by Eric S. Taylor, CPA , CGFM, Partner

Posted on September 20, 2012

Core values are important to the strategic development of any organization. In today’s challenging times, they can be the key to planning and decision making. They let your employees and the public know about the identity of the organization and how it intends to operate.

Our firm’s core values are identified with the acronym H.E.A.R.T. You may have heard us refer to the acronym or seen it on our business cards. H.E.A.R.T. is a everyday reminder to our team members about our expectations for everyday operations and decision making.

This is what H.E.A.R.T. means to our firm:

Honesty. Ensuring that integrity and ethical behavior determine every decision and action. (Honesty is essential to building any relationship, be it personal or professional.)

Excellence. Taking pride in being the best at everything we do. (Excellence is crucial to providing the best possible service.)

Attitude. Approaching each day with an eager and positive attitude. (A positive attitude creates a better environment for both our employees and clients.)

Respect. Placing value on diversity as a key to our growth. (It is important to respect ourselves, our coworkers, our profession, and our clients.)

Teamwork. Fostering collaboration and communication. (Not only do we work better using teamwork internally, but working collaboratively with clients helps them achieve their goals.)

Perhaps your organization has already created a set of core values. If not, consider utilizing your governing body, management, or members of the community to assist with creating your core values. They can clarify the identity of your organization to your employees and the community. That, more than ever, is important during these challenging times.