Why you should write down company values
As a tech founder, for at least a while you were the extent of your company. Maybe you still are. It follows that your company’s values reflect your values, right? Those values probably come so naturally to you that it doesn’t seem necessary to write them down.
If your company is growing and you’re starting to hire [link], however, your values are about to face the values every new hire brings in. Those could include an employee’s personal values plus the company values from a past employer. Some of those values might overlap with your priorities and mission, but others definitely won’t.
We can all agree there are plenty of values worth having. In the context of business values, you do need to prioritize those that you believe will push you where you want to go. Too many values (in this context) can be a bad thing—it’s crucial to get specific and stay specific, especially as you hire your team out.
Write down your company’s values now. Put words to your purpose and priorities, and reach out to me if you don’t know where to start. Not only is this practice fundamental in building your company culture, it also means easier decision-making and ready principles to communicate to customers and investors as your company unfolds.
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