How Core Values Shape Organisational Culture
Written by Monique Jordan-Cave
Your Career Bestie
Why You Should Care?
Hello, friend,
Let’s be real—company culture isn’t just a buzzword for HR meetings and beige slide decks. It’s the heartbeat of your workplace.
And guess what pumps that heart?
Core values.
Whether you're leading the charge or finding your feet, understanding how core values shape organisational culture is one of the smartest, most soul-aligned things you can do.
Because when the culture’s off, everything feels hard. But when it’s right?
Your team becomes unstoppable.
Let’s break this down and make it make sense—in a fun, human, and seriously impactful way.
1. What Are Core Values (And Why Should You Care)?
Core values are non negotiable.
The this is who we are even when no one’s watching rules.
They shape what you stand for and how your people show up—every single day.
Think of them as your internal compass when everything around you feels like chaos.
Here’s what great core values do:
✅ They guide decisions.
✅ They inspire behaviour.
✅ They hold your culture steady during change.
If your company values “creativity,” “curiosity,” and “courage”—you better believe the way your team brainstorms, experiments, and gives feedback should reflect that.
Otherwise, it’s just empty poster talk.
2. Culture Is Caught, Not Taught
You can have the flashiest value statements ever, but if the vibe doesn’t match the words... people feel it.
Culture isn’t what’s written on the wall—it’s what happens in the hallway, on Zoom calls, and in Slack threads.
Want a strong culture?
Live your values out loud.
Here’s how:
👍 Celebrate when someone embodies a value, not just hits a target.
👍 Hire for values, not just skills.
👍 Check your own behaviour—because leaders set the tone, always.
Culture is contagious.
And you, my friend, are either reinforcing it or rewriting it with every move you make.
3. Core Values Make Tough Calls Easier
Let’s say you’re facing a big decision—like letting go of a top performer who’s a culture killer.
If your values include respect, collaboration, and integrity, then the choice becomes crystal clear. Even if it’s hard.
Your values act like a filter for:
🤝 Who to hire (and fire).
🤝 What to prioritise.
🤝 What’s a no-go, no matter how tempting.
Without values? It’s like trying to navigate in fog with no GPS.
With values? You might still face storms, but at least you’ve got a damn compass.
4. When Values and Culture Align, Magic Happens
You want innovation? Belonging? High-performing humans who actually care?
Then you need to walk your values, not just talk them.
Here’s what happens when you get this right:
👉 Teams trust each other. No drama. No ego wars.
👉 People feel safe to speak up, mess up, and glow up.
👉 Everyone knows what’s expected—and what’s not tolerated.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being aligned.
Because when the inside matches the outside, people show up with fire in their belly and pride in their work.
5. How to Check (and Refresh) Your Values Today
Not sure if your values are alive or asleep? Try this mini audit:
Ask yourself and your team:
🤔 Do our daily actions reflect these values?
🤔 Would a new hire feel these values on Day 1?
🤔 Are we rewarding behaviour that matches—or contradicts—our values?
If the answer is “meh,” don’t panic.
Refresh them. Reignite them. Make them real again.
✅ Tip: Co-create updated values with your team. The more voices in the room, the more buy-in you’ll get. Bonus: it builds trust like wildfire.
✨ Culture Starts With You
You don’t need a big title or fancy office to lead culture. You just need the courage to model the values you believe in.
Remember, core values shape the soul of your organisation.
And soul-led workplaces?
They’re the ones people stay in, grow in, and brag about at dinner parties.
So go ahead, fellow soul leader—check your compass, walk your talk, and watch your culture rise.
💡 What would your team say your real core values are—based on what they see and feel, not what’s written down?
Let me know in the comments below.
Over to you!
MJx
Please feel free to share this article with a loved one, friend or colleague.
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Let’s build cultures that feel as good as they perform.
How Core Values Shape Organisational Culture
Importance Of Core Values In The Workplace
Aligning Team Culture With Values
Core Values For Creative Professionals
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