You've probably read lots of articles about the importance of core values and values-driven companies. Best-selling business writers like Jim Collins and Tom Peters frequently espouse the importance of core values and highlight companies that leverage their core values to outperform the market.
Despite the credibility of authors like Collins and Peters, you’d be crazy not to be at least a bit skeptical about the importance of company values. There are too many platitudes posted on too many placards on too many walls. There are too many leaders paying too much lip service to values that do not inspire, engage, or motivate.
But, for those companies that have succeeded in creating powerful values that engage their employees, the benefits are nothing short of amazing.