Firm Core Values

Just like Tony Stark's journey from self-centered genius to a team-focused hero, our firms can evolve to reflect our highest principles and aspirations.

Personal Core Values to Firm Core Values

Like the characters in the movie Soul just trying to find their spark...your personal core values form the foundation of your firm's values.  Let's look at the values for Driven Law my PI firm in Orlando.

Here’s how mine transitioned:

• Authenticity became We are DRIVEN to provide the best client experience possible.
• Connection evolved into We are DRIVEN to connect with those who share our values.
• Success translated to We are DRIVEN to succeed as a team.
• Wisdom informed We are DRIVEN to be better every day.

Yes we worried them that way to be extra...hopefully extra awesome, but I will leave that up to you.

Steps to Define Your Firm’s Core Values

1. Reflect on Personal Values

Revisit your personal values. Think about how these values manifest in your professional life and how they can be integrated into your firm's culture.  This is like a Green Lantern getting stronger with willpower...your core values are stronger the more they are you.

2. Identify Key Themes

Look for common themes in your personal values.  See what your personal values have in common and make extra sure they make it into firm core values.  Think of how all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles love pizza...your values can come together to build a stronger and more cohesive team.  And yes, if you already have a team...bring them into this process.

3. Draft Firm Values

Based on these themes, draft a list of potential core values for your firm. Keep it concise and meaningful.

To help you get started, here’s a list of 30 potential core values. Pick the ones that resonate most with you and your team:

1. Integrity
2. Excellence
3. Respect
4. Innovation
5. Teamwork
6. Accountability
7. Client-focused
8. Transparency
9. Collaboration
10. Professionalism
11. Empathy
12. Leadership
13. Passion
14. Reliability
15. Dedication
16. Community-oriented
17. Continuous learning
18. Sustainability
19. Courage
20. Humility
21. Fairness
22. Trustworthiness
23. Diversity
24. Responsiveness
25. Quality
26. Flexibility
27. Loyalty
28. Enthusiasm
29. Prudence
30. Gratitude

4. Finalize and Communicate

Finalize the core values and communicate them clearly across the firm. These should be visible in your office, on your website, and in your firm's daily operations. Visible like the X-Men out on a mission, not hidden like other mutants trying to stay safe.

Example: My Firm’s Core Values

Here’s how I translated my personal values into firm values:

1. We are driven to provide the best client experience possible.
   1. This ties back to my value of authenticity, ensuring every client interaction is genuine and positive.
2. We are driven to be better every day.
   1. Reflecting my value of wisdom, emphasizing continuous improvement and learning.
3. We are driven to succeed as a team.
   1. Highlighting the importance of connection and success, ensuring we achieve our goals collectively.
4. We are driven to connect with those who share our values.
   1. Emphasizing the importance of forming meaningful, value-based relationships.

Using Your Core Values

1. In Marketing
   1. Ensure your marketing materials and campaigns reflect your core values.  You better not value being a Ravenclaw but then market like you're in Slytherin. Highlight these values in your messaging to attract clients who share similar principles.
   2. For example, if transparency is a core value, emphasize your open communication and straightforward processes in your advertising.
2. In Hiring
   1. Hire team members who embody your core values. During the interview process, ask questions that reveal whether candidates align with your firm’s principles.  If you have a caring and unique way that you do things...don't hire someone with experience who doesn't FIT.  Head to Mordor with your Samwise, find the treasure of one-eyed Willie with Mikey, I don't think there is a third great Sean Astin reference here (but he was Raphael in one of the movies).
   2. For instance, if empathy is a core value, ask candidates how they handle difficult client situations to gauge their emotional intelligence and compassion.
3. In Decision-Making
   1. Use your core values as a guide for making decisions. Whether it's choosing new software, deciding on a case strategy, or setting firm policies, ensure your choices align with your values.  My 6 year old is DYING to see Deadpool...but that's not happening (yet) because it doesn't live up to my core values (and I love my wife).
   2. If excellence is a core value, consistently opt for solutions that enhance quality and performance, even if they come at a higher cost.
4. In Daily Operations
   1. Incorporate your core values into daily operations. This could mean fostering a collaborative environment if teamwork is a value or maintaining a focus on continuous improvement through regular training sessions.  If you're going to get stuck like Bill Murray in Groundhog's Day...might as well enjoy the food, ace Jeopardy, and fall in love while you're at it.  Although maybe that last one is NOT a good idea for your office's day to day.
   2. For example, if community orientation is a core value, encourage team participation in local events and pro bono work.
5. In Client Interactions
   1. Make sure that every client interaction reflects your core values. Train your team to handle clients in a way that embodies your firm’s principles.  You might be Harvey Specter or Jessica Pierson in the courtroom, but in the office the clients might want Donna more.
   2. If integrity is a core value, ensure that your team always acts honestly and ethically in all dealings with clients.

Conclusion

Defining your firm’s core values is more than just a box to check—it's about creating a guiding light that shapes every decision and action. By aligning your firm's values with your personal beliefs, you build a cohesive, motivated, and focused team ready to deliver exceptional results.

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