Live Your Values Out Loud
INTEGRITY
One of MOONSHOT XX’s company core values.
“If Entrepreneurship is really one of our core values, then 50% of our people should leave us and start their own businesses.”
Before launching MOONSHOT XX, I intentionally would go on morning runs with one specific purpose in mind: to get clear on MOONSHOT XX’s core values. One day, mid-stride, I stopped to record a voice memo. I still have this saved in my notes. It reads: “Sweating is good for my creative process. I’m clear. The values are people development, radical candor, integrity, creativity + innovation, and without a doubt, fun.”
It was the organization I previously worked for, lululemon (and its founder), that inspired me to be a full-on entrepreneur. I loved that company and owe much of my success to the leaders who generously and fearlessly poured into my professional and personal development. It was also a place that I witnessed core values come to life. From newest hire to CEO to founder, the people embodied the behaviors that makes that company über special. After all, it was the values that piqued my interest and made me want to join their team back in 2008. Entrepreneurship was one of those core values.
Sometime in the Fall of 2011, I was in Vancouver, Canada, for a leadership conference. The energy was palpable. I could feel the buzzing of #joblove emanating throughout the halls of the The Westin Bayshore. What happened next impacted the way I do business today. The incomparable Chip Wilson, founder of lululemon, took the stage and began to share the vision for the company. He reminded us of the guiding principles, the meaning of the mission statement, and the five core values that guided the decision-making at what still is the best yoga-inspired apparel company in the world. He took his time sharing thoughts about each core value. When he got to Entrepreneurship, he paused then said “If entrepreneurship is really one of our core values, then 50% of our people should leave us and start their own businesses.” That was the boldest thing I ever heard a founder say. He said it with conviction. He meant it. It gave me permission to explore what my entrepreneurial journey could be. I knew my heart was pulling me in that direction. I needed to take the leap.
Starting a company is like jumping off a cliff and assembling a plane on the way down.
For every entrepreneur reading this, Reid Hoffman was right when he said “starting a company is like jumping off a cliff and assembling a plane on the way down.” Some of us are still assembling while descending. And what I know to be true is that having a strong foundation is integral to success. A well-defined organizational vision, an actionable mission, and intentionally identified core values provide lift, altitude, and runway.
I want you to understand that I ran many miles meditating on MOONSHOT XX’s core values. Morning after morning. I’d lace up and off I went asking myself the same question, ‘what are the behaviors that our team needs to embody to drive the vision of this company?’ Then like a sunrise shining light on the crack of dawn morning darkness, I got clear. People Development. Creativity + Innovation. Integrity. Radical Candor. Fun.
MOONSHOT XX’s Core Values: (L to R) - People Development, Creativity + Innovation, Integrity, Radical Candor, Fun
Identifying them is only 1/2 the work. Defining them is where the real commitment lives.
People Development | We believe that each person possesses a unique ability to make a unique contribution that leaves the world better. Our purpose is to unlock human potential in each individual so they may fully access their zone of genius.
Creativity + Innovation | We are a catalyst for ideas. We are purveyors of an inherent human trait and one of the most important assets to an organization: the human imagination. We are critical thinkers who always start with ‘why’ and create space for playful and strategic brainstorming of the ‘what’ and ‘how’. Creativity begets critical thinking begets innovative outcomes.
Integrity | The kingpin of our values. It is the foundation of everything that works. Without it, nothing works. Alignment in word and action brings about a good night sleep. It is a prerequisite to building trust.
Radical Candor | We don’t believe in fluff. We don’t sugar-coat. We tell one another what we need to know with intention and compassion because we value time and because we are fiercely committed to developing one another. We owe it to ourselves and our teams to be sources of expanded awareness and broadened perspective. Coach and get coached.
Fun | We are joy-seekers. Laughter is a superpower for revenue. It is a culture differentiator. We are in the business of co-creating environments where people fall in love with the place they call ‘work’. Happiness begets creativity begets productivity.
If you’re considering jumping off the proverbial “cliff”, take time to intentionally identify the core values that will make your organization stand out. Take time to define what they mean so that when you grow your business, your team is clear on expectations. If you’ve “assembled the plane” and are coasting the friendly skies, ask yourself ‘when was the last time I discussed our company’s core values with my leadership team, my staff, our board, the people who tirelessly show up and do the work?’ You can’t afford to be on auto-pilot.
I dare you to live your values out loud. Make a bold statement and stand behind it 100%. You never know who you might inspire to take a leap of faith. Ready?