Leadership with Values and Principles

    Richard Halldearn // Mar 4, 2022

    Why now?

    At the start of the year, we formally introduced a strong set of values and principles at Navarik to help drive company success and to make work more enjoyable for all our staff. At Navarik we operate, reward and recruit using our values and principles to foster exemplary behavior.

    Why does Navarik need Values and Principles?

    - To guide Company actions and decisions

    - To delegate authority and give employees greater confidence to make decisions

    - Values are designed to have teeth. If you’re not willing to accept the pain real values incur, don’t bother going to the trouble of formulating a values statement. (Harvard Business Review - Make your values mean something)

    - Will we get it right first time? Probably not, so we iterate to improve.

    Navarik's Core Values

    - Customer Oriented

    - Candor & Integrity

    - Excellence, Commitment & Delivery

    - Growth (Company and Personal)

    - Ownership

    - Resourcefulness & Simplicity

    Navarik's Principles

    What are Principles? They are rules and guidelines that help us implement our values

    Customers Come First

    If they win, we win.

    Our business has an impact on our users’ lives. Our best measure of success is our business impact. This means better serving our customers as this helps us succeed and grow.

    Speak with Candor and Respect

    We are obligated to respectfully challenge when we disagree, even when doing so is uncomfortable or exhausting. We do not compromise for the sake of social cohesion. However, once a decision is determined, we commit wholly to it.

    With respect, we communicate better, and candor becomes easy.

    With truth comes trust and stronger relationships.

    “Good communication must be HOT; Honest, Open, and Two-way.” – Dan Oswald

    Listen, Really Listen

    Listening is a commitment to give value to another's words and ideas.

    Listening, to hear and understand – not just to respond, creates a teamwork culture that’s empowering.

    “Listen with the intent to understand, not the intent to reply.” – Stephen R. Covey

    Aim High, Be Bold, Imagine the Impossible

    Big ideas stem from big thoughts and together, we can achieve amazing things.

    “Believe Big. The size of your success is determined by the size of your belief. Think little goals and expect little achievements” – David J. Schwartz

    Be Curious and Apply Knowledge

    We are curious, well-read, and inquisitive. We are quick and eager to apply our knowledge when required.

    Set High Standards and Deliver Results

    We aim to be the best, and thus set exceptionally high standards for ourselves and our colleagues. We continuously strive to deliver quality products and services. However, delivery matters, and when appropriate, we do not let perfection be the enemy of good. Many decisions and actions are reversible and can be made quickly, so embrace invention, do not be afraid take risks when appropriate, and iterate quickly, improving as you go.

    Have Ownership

    We are all Leaders. We are decisive. We solve problems and abstain from blame to take responsibility.

    We never say, “That’s not my job”.

    Spend Money Wisely

    Be resourceful. Accomplish more with less. Constraints breed resourcefulness.

    Growing headcount, budget size, or fixed expense without revenue will be reflected poorly in our business's financial results and your performance review.

    Keep It Simple

    Be brave. Push simple ideas. Do not ever feel stupid to suggest a simple solution. Never berate simple ideas as they are often the best. Remove the unnecessary, even if it’s challenging.

    Where should you use them?

     

    Recruitment

    It is mandatory to communicate the company’s values and principles to candidates.

    Our evaluation criteria include steps to ensure candidates support and agree to the company’s values.

    Operations

    Values and Principals are used to guide daily activities and work expectations.

    Ensuring your work is aligned with the company’s values and principles as it is part of your job description.

    Performance Reviews

    Performance review questions refer to the company’s values and principles.

    References

    Harvard Business Review - Make your values mean something.

     

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