WHAT ARE OUR CORE VALUES?

This question was presented to the group at a recent meeting that I was at and it really started me thinking. There were some internet references and I looked them up and found that there is quite a bit of material on core values for corporations and such. I was in Taekwondo for many years and I was always impressed by their tenets which are “honesty, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indominable spirit.” I have always felt that these were great basic values to live by. I think the first time that I ever remember encountering the idea of core values was in the Boy Scout Pledge. The idea of these is helping to form a balanced and disciplined person.

Specific organizations with specific missions may use certain values to reflect their goals such as “greatest service” or “never stop pushing forward.” I am particularly motivated by challenge phrases that challenge me physically or mentally. “Go beyond your apparent abilities” or “attaining greatness” these seem self-serving, but ultimately as we bring our organization to new heights we serve our customers better when we have those types of values. After studying a list of core values from top organizations I have selected mine.

• “Integrity” – This embodies both honesty and an intentional caring for the best interests of others.
• “Excellence/Unequaled service” – Servanthood is a biblical trait that suggests both a sacrificial love for people, but also a humility in placing others interests above your own. Excellence in service to me requires that we do everything in our ability and skillset to have a great outcome.
• “Always Improving” – A commitment to keep growing, continually updating and teaching/learning new concepts that keep us at the forefront of surgical care and anesthesia.
• “Love what you do” – Just what it says. Love and relationships are a lot of work and require active input and communication from all parties. It also requires a commitment to be honest about your position, growth, and results. We are a God-oriented group who are performing surgical procedures at a high level. This is very satisfying and gives one a feeling of reaching the summit each time.
• “Compassion and caring” – People who are having a problem and are undergoing a procedure are vulnerable, uncertain, and often afraid. We have to be empathic and focus on the special needs of each individual – meeting those needs in a gentle, caring way. We respect our patients and care about them as our own.
• “Communication” – Effectively sharing information is a great calling and challenge. We all learn differently and we go to great lengths to explain our procedures and instructions well and also making sure our correspondence between health care providers is beyond complete.
• “We are the best” – It speaks for itself.

You can look up on the internet under “core values” to see various companies and their core values. Have some fun and pick out those values that appeal to you the most. Think about why. Reflect on how you can change your life to better embody those values.