Do your values really need to change every time a new CEO takes the helm?
It’s a pattern I see far too often. Teams are hit with values initiative fatigue, stuck in a cycle where every new leader launches another project to redefine, relaunch and re-embed a fresh set of values. It’s exhausting!
But here’s the truth: values aren’t supposed to change with every leadership shift. When they are done right – when they’re authentic, deeply rooted and aligned with the organisation’s core purpose – they should stand the test of time.
Think of values as the organisation’s compass. They provide stability, clarity, and consistency, even as leadership, strategies, or market conditions evolve. The most successful organisations don’t just choose values, they commit to living them, every day, across every team.
So why do so many businesses find themselves starting again every time there’s a new leader? The problem isn’t with the idea of values. It’s in the way they’re created.
Getting Values Right the First Time
When values are hastily thrown together in a workshop, disconnected from the company’s purpose and personality, they lack staying power. It’s no surprise they fall apart as soon as leadership changes.
The solution? A values creation process that digs deep. One that uncovers what truly matters to the organisation, resonates with team members, and provides a foundation for decision-making and growth. The right values don’t just look good on a poster; they guide behaviour, inspire teams, and create a culture that feels consistent, no matter who’s at the top.
This is what I help my clients achieve. Through the Active Ethos process, they gain the tools to get it right first time. The result is a set of values that doesn’t need constant reinvention,
because it’s already built to last.
Ready to End Values Fatigue?
If you’re curious about how this works, let’s have a conversation. It’s time to break the cycle, put an end to values initiative fatigue, and create something meaningful, sustainable, and real.
Drop me a message, and I’ll show you how.