Looking for a core values list for your business or personal use? Well, we’ve got something better than just a huge list of values! We’ve got an interactive exercise to help you discover and define your core values.
If you want to jump to the core values list, click the button below.
In order for core values to be valuable for your organization, they must be authentic and believable. You must choose core values your business can actually back up with its reputation, actions, culture, and products and services.
How to Choose Your Company Core Values
This interactive exercise will help you identify the five values that most define who your business is and what it’s becoming.
How It Works
Step 1: Review the List of Core Values
Visit our Core Values Tool to explore a curated list of 150 commonly held values. Don’t overthink—go with your instincts and what resonates with your team.
Task: Select 15 values that feel most aligned with your organization.
Step 2: Narrow Down to Your Top 5
Now it’s time to focus. Gather your team (or reflect individually if you’re solo) and use the following questions to guide discussion and eliminate overlap or “nice-to-haves.”
Discussion Prompts to Guide Your Choices:
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Which of these values already show up in how we work—in our decisions, our culture, or our client relationships?
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Which values would we fight to keep even if they became a competitive disadvantage?
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Are any of these values aspirational? If so, are we committed to growing into them?
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Which ones are non-negotiable when hiring, partnering, or making tough decisions?
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Are we choosing values that sound good, or values that feel true?
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Do any values overlap or mean similar things to us? Which word captures the essence best?
Task: Discuss and decide on your final five core values.
Step 3: Define What Each Value Means to You
A word like “Integrity” or “Innovation” can mean something different to every organization. Your next step is to write a short blurb (1–2 sentences) for each core value that explains what it means in your context.
Reflection Questions for Each Value:
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Why is this value important to us?
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How does this value show up in our daily work or customer experience?
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What’s a real-life example of this value in action at our company?
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How will we use this value to guide decisions or behaviors?
Task: Write a 1–2 sentence definition for each of your five core values, using your own language.
Final Outcome
By the end of this exercise, you’ll have:
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A refined list of five core values
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A custom definition for each, grounded in your business’s unique identity
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A shared language that can be used in hiring, branding, customer service, and team culture
Tip: Revisit your values at least once a year. As your business evolves, so might your perspective on what matters most.