Core Values Drive A Startup’s Success
brandonpaton.com
brandonpaton.com
- Good idea(s) - Good execution - Hard work
It always seems that a startup that is lacking or is unsuccessful (what is "success", anyway?) is always missing or lacking in one of the above three areas.
These values statements are a form of self-expression similar to putting bumper stickers on one's car, and have about as much to do with the success of the business as bumper stickers have with the correct operation of the vehicle.
Living them demonstrates unmistakenly and predictably who are really are.
Telling them is no different from all those bullshit mission statements on bulletin boards ignored by millions.
Wikipedia defines "mensch" as "a person of integrity and honor" and "someone to admire and emulate, someone of noble character". By its very definition, you cannot call yourself (or your company) a mensch.
Once you start living your core values, you won't need to advertise them. Plenty of others will do that for you.
The child then does a "why chain" on you. Why did you stand up? To give the lady a seat. Why did you give the lady your seat? Because it's polite. Why is it polite? Etc. Explaining your values to someone else can help you reexamine and refine them. Perhaps you didn't expect to exhibit them in public, but another core value (being honest and respectful to children) causes you to. Making them known also holds you to them.
I have worked for companies with very strong and sensible values that don't advertise them. That's a fine choice, but not necessarily better or more pure than articulating them to the world.