Have your written core values ever helped you make—or avoid—a difficult business decision?
A few years ago, I met with a prospective client who, on paper, looked like an ideal fit.
As we talked, he casually mentioned that he preferred not to record all of his cash sales. It amounted to several thousand dollars of revenue that never made it onto the books.
He paused, looked at me, and then said something I'll never forget.
"Based on your core values, we're probably not the right fit for you."
He was right.
I never had to say no. It was the easiest "no" I never had to give.
Our written core values had already drawn the line in the sand. They made it obvious how we do business and what we stand for.
Today, I know core values are one of the most practical leadership tools a business can have.
At Fulling, our values spell G.R.A.C.E. https://www.fullingmgmt.com/about-us#corevalues
Growth - challenges us to keep learning.
Represent the Client - reminds us to always act in our clients' best interests, helping them get clarity, grow their profits, and gain peace of mind.
Accountability - means our integrity is never for sale.
Champion Attitude - shapes how we encourage one another and serve every client.
Eternal Impact - reminds us that our work is ultimately an opportunity to serve others with excellence.
Those values guide far more than client relationships.
They influence who we hire, who we work with, how we coach our team, and how we make difficult decisions.
That's the power of written core values.
They don't just help you make better decisions.
They help the right people choose you—and the wrong people recognize they aren't the right fit.
Have your written core values ever helped you make—or avoid—a difficult business decision?
Rusty Fulling