Core values are dead

Hi, I’m Marnie, and I’m a core values nerd.

I love how core values act as a calling card for company culture. When I stumble across them on a company website, I can’t help myself…I start decoding. What do they really mean? Are they just fluffy words in corporate font? Are they actually alive inside the organization? I turn into a full-blown armchair strategist, forming quiet opinions about their tone, clarity, and whether they’re even activated.

So naturally, it drives me a little nutso when someone describes their company culture by rattling off their core values.

Helpful? Sure. But it also tells me something else; whether they’re part of a living, breathing culture… or whether they’ve fallen into the trap of al zombie culture.

That’s the culture where everyone’s going through the motions. It looks fine on the surface, but behind those blank eyes? No innovation. No real energy. Just mind🎤less “doing.” Occasionally, an enthusiastic new hire shows up… only to get their brains sucked out. 

And if that’s the case?

I’m out. 🧟

🪦 I said it at DisruptHR Houston: Core values are dead.

Not because they’re bad (see above: nerd). But because for way too long, we’ve asked them to carry the entire load of company culture….and honestly, they’re not doing a great job of it.

We stick them on the wall. Maybe quiz people on them once a quarter (yes, really). But if your core values are the only thing defining your culture? You might be flirting with the undead.

So… what’s the antidote?

You need a little SPARK ✨

Let's bring that culture back to life.

Here’s how to bring your culture to life in a way your team can actually feel:

S – Set your purpose

Like Eleven Madison Park’s “Make fine dining cool.” It’s clear, simple, and sets the stage for easy decision-making for all.

P – Playlist

What’s the emotional soundtrack of your org? Marketing departments aren’t the only ones who can create brand guides. Create a cultural brand guide, just like you would for your customers.

A – Assess gaps

Now that you know where you want to go and how you want people to feel on the way to that purpose, compare your employee experience to your customer journey. Where are you falling short of the vibe you say you’re about?

R – Ritualize

Culture lives in the little things: chants, jokes, weekly huddles. What’s your team’s version of rituals?

K – Kickstart leaders

This is probably the biggest factor to SPARK…your people managers. They set the tone. Are they hiring for culture adds (not just fits…whatever that is)? Are they living the vibe you’re trying to build? Are they checking in with their people? Do they even care?

🎥 The video is live!

If you want to watch my 5-minute lightning talk that made the Top 5 globally 😱, you can check it out here:

Thanks for being here and being part of this culture-forward community. Let’s keep the zombies out—and our cultures alive and kicking. 💥

See you in the next one,

Marnie

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I'm on a mission to help companies design and activate cultures that resonate with their purpose, brand, and values.

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Interested in creating a strong culture at your company? Reach out to marnie@vibepeoplestudio.com for a complimentary 30-minute discovery chat.