Now, match your mission statement to your value system. Are they aligned? Since every decision and every action you take is based on your code of values, they will need to be closely aligned? In other words, if you have to go against your value system to accomplish your life’s purpose then you are creating internal conflict and will not find fulfillment in your life’s journey. Your values will determine how you will accomplish your life’s purpose. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, values are defined as:
1. Social. The ideas, customs, institutions of a society toward which the people of the group have an affective regard. These values may be positive, as cleanliness, freedom or education or negative as cruelty, crime or blasphemy.
2. Ethics. Any object or quality desirable as a means or as an end to itself.
As Christian leaders we understand that our core values are based on the Word of God. However, many people base their core values on their belief system or their religion. So what makes us different? I believe we understand that we also must answer to a higher authority – God Himself. With that fundamental belief we are more inclined to order our steps and actions in ways which are pleasing to Him. For example, loving your neighbor (co-worker) as you love yourself prevents you from talking badly or gossiping about your co-worker.
Many of the values we hold true to in the United States are based on a group of men’s belief system and their religion. Have you ever read the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution of the United States? Do you see the Word of God as playing a key element in the value system of the United States? Now what about you? What is the foundation of your value system? Where do your personal and/or family values stem from? Most of us will start with the Bible. That is a given. I challenge you to dig deeper by identifying the top ten values you live by.
As Christian business leaders, we must understand that values are the way we do business. Ken Blanchard, co-author of “Managing by Values” believes that values are an extraordinary powerful force in shaping organizations. Richard Osborne calls it the soul of a corporation. Graydon Wood, vice president of ethics and business conduct at NYNEX states that “ethics and core values are the fundamental elements to an organization’s reputation in the marketplace”. He goes on to imply that the company’s reputation, the trust people have in your business is directly translatable into market share and therefore into corporate success.”
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