by Thelma Meneses
In today’s dynamic and competitive business environment, the success and growth of a company are increasingly tied to its core values. These foundational principles act as guiding lights, shaping not only the internal culture but also the way a business interacts with customers, partners, and stakeholders. The most successful businesses understand that core values are more than just words—they are key drivers that foster sustainable growth and help maintain long-term relevance. I am currently working as a Senior Consultant with Attila, Inc, a meat retail business. For the past 34 years, they have grown their business tremendously. The owner’s personal core values have been amplified and magnified across the organization. With the future of work that continuously evolve, the organization is well prepared to continue their successful business story anchored by their core values of
a. Katinikan
b. Malasakit sa Kapuwa Kasamahan
c. Malasakit sa Suki
d. Malasakit sa Kumpanya
The values of social justice, fairness equity, and magnanimity – are indicatives of the owners’ personal mission.
In essence, the following are essential company core values that fuel their continued business growth.
1. Customer-Centricity (Malasakit sa Suki)
Placing the customer at the center of every decision is vital for growth. A customer-centric approach ensures that products, services, and experiences are designed with the customer’s needs in mind. When businesses focus on providing value and exceeding expectations, they build trust and loyalty. This drives repeat business, positive word of mouth, and brand advocacy, leading to organic growth.
2. Innovation (Katinikan)
In a rapidly evolving market, innovation is crucial for staying competitive. This company encourage creativity and is open to new ideas to better equip the employees to adapt and grow. Innovation did not just apply to product development but also to their processes, customer service, and operational efficiencies. The employees continuously pushed their boundaries of their industries, using innovation as a core value to disrupt traditional business models and create new growth opportunities. They were able to do this because they were empowered. As the President of the company told me, “Our employees empowered me to be a good leader”.
3. Integrity and Transparency (Malasakit sa Kumpanya)
Trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship. Companies that operate with integrity and transparency foster a strong reputation among customers, employees, and stakeholders. Integrity ensures that a company keeps its promises and maintains ethical standards, while transparency builds confidence in how the business is run. The Leaders of this company understands the power of trust. “Trust and loyalty to the company begins during the interview phase”, said the Chairman of the Board.
4. Collaboration (Malasakit sa Kapuwa/Kasamahan)
Business growth often comes from teamwork and leveraging the collective strength of an organization. A collaborative environment encourages idea-sharing, problem-solving, and innovation across departments. It also fosters a sense of ownership among employees, which increases engagement and productivity. Successful businesses break down silos and promote cross-functional collaboration to drive new initiatives and improvements. In Attila, Inc they try to eliminate bureaucracy. The normal chain of command business practice is frowned at. Shared Leadership is the norm.
5. Accountability (Malasakit sa Suki)
Growth-oriented companies hold themselves accountable to high standards of performance. Accountability ensures that individuals and teams take responsibility for their actions and results. In Attila, one of their performance dialogues focus is on accountability, taking ownership of decisions made. They celebrate success and learn from mistakes. As a result, the employees build credibility with their customers and other stakeholders, who can trust them to deliver on their promises.
6. Adaptability (Malasakit Sa Suki)
In an ever-changing fierce market landscape, adaptability is key to survival and growth. During the pandemic, they were able to quickly pivot in response to market shifts, technological advancements, and customer demands. This mindset allowed them to have a distinct advantage.
- Continuous Learning
A culture of continuous learning promotes growth at both the individual and organizational levels. Businesses that invest in employee development, upskilling, and lifelong learning create a workforce that is agile, knowledgeable, and equipped to tackle future challenges. In Attila, they prefer to hire employees with no work experience. They believe that technical skills can be learned. What they look for are the underlying characteristics and traits that embody the company’s core valus. A huge part of every employee’s is to drive peer learning.
- Empowerment (Katinikan)
Empowering employees leads to innovation, ownership, and higher levels of engagement. When employees feel trusted and valued, they are more likely to take initiative, make decisions, and contribute to the company’s success. Empowerment is closely linked to leadership development, as businesses that invest in their people often see growth driven from all levels of the organization.
- Diversity and Inclusion (Malasakit sa Kapuwa Kasamahan)
Diversity and inclusion are essential values that not only enhance workplace culture but also drive business growth. A diverse workforce brings different perspectives, ideas, and solutions to the table, fostering innovation and helping companies tap into new markets. Inclusive companies create environments where all employees feel respected and valued, leading to higher morale and productivity.
In summary, Core values serve as the compass that guides businesses in their growth journeys. They influence every aspect of a company’s operations, from decision-making to employee behavior and customer interactions. When these values are deeply ingrained in the company culture, they create a solid foundation for sustainable growth, innovation, and long-term success. Businesses that remain true to their core values not only achieve financial success but also leave a lasting impact on their industries and communities.
