Really great companies seem to have core values that they try to live up to in all they do. These aren’t just business values in cheesy motivational posters, but they’re real life values. They’re the vision that makes a company tick, that they continuously measure themselves against.
Four weeks ago during a team lunch, we came up with some words and phrases that represent what we believe in–from a company perspective and from an individual perspective. Over the past few weeks we’ve focused them down into a couple of values that represent the way we do business.
Following in the (giant) footsteps of Zappos, we’ve decided to share our (modest) 8 values with you today.
Envy Labs Core Values:
1. Practice transparency.
Transparency is extremely important to us, so we share everything. This helps our clients know that we’re on the same page when it comes to expectations and production.
2. Delight our clients.
Our goal is not simply to meet our clients’ expectations; our goal is to exceed our clients’ expectations. We are a dedicated team that enjoys keeping our clients happily surprised.
3. Act like owners.
Our projects are our reputation, and we stand behind what we build. When we put our name on it, we’re dedicated to its success.
4. Be humble.
No one’s perfect. Neither is our company. We admit to our mistakes, and regard them as opportunities to do even better the next time. Honest feedback from clients and peers is not only welcomed but also encouraged.
5. Create fun.
We want everything we do to be fun, so we strive to provide an energizing atmosphere that creates a fun work environment. We actually look forward to going to work everyday!
6. Nurture friendships.
By nurturing friendships within our team, we work together to deliver better software and outstanding client experiences.
7. Foster education.
We keep our minds sharp through constant education. Creativity is always encouraged, as we eagerly search for innovative new ways to solve problems.
8. Share what we learn.
We love sharing with the community. We make podcasts, create screencasts, attend events, and do all we can to stay in touch.
Writing down our values has been useful even as we make small, seemingly minute decisions day-to-day. Do we want this new client? Should we attend this conference? How should we bill for this? What’s our company culture like? Should we get cupcakes Friday?
Tony Hseih (pronounced Shay), the CEO of online shoe company Zappos, also wrote a fantastic book recently about how Zappos made customer service the entire focus of their company. Their core values helped them evolve into a wildly successful empire. Hseih stresses how important it is to continually look to one’s values as guideposts in Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose.
Reading Hsieh’s stuff helps us to ponder: What do we want our company to be known for? How do we want our company to run? How can we create an environment that brings everyone more happiness?
I like to think we’re on the right track. Who knows what the business will look like 2 or even 5 years from now, but at least we have a clear vision of what is important to all of us.
Photo Credits: Floating Marble by spettacolopuro, that’s a very large happy face by Shira Golding, Woodcarving by Myrrien, Hidden Cat by Grahford, Nature Shopping by Mubina H.
