Unveiling Your Business Identity: Developing Core Values

In the vast ocean of entrepreneurship, it’s crucial to anchor your business with a strong sense of identity and values. Just like an iceberg, much of what defines our business lies beneath the surface, shaping everything from our actions to our beliefs. Let’s delve in and unveil the Identity Iceberg, a powerful tool to illuminate our business’s core values and identity.

Picture an iceberg: above the waterline, visible to all, are our actions and behaviours—the outward expression of our values. But what lies beneath is what truly drives these manifestations of identity. It begins with our habits, the daily rituals that shape our business culture. Yet, deeper still are our thoughts and beliefs, the bedrock upon which our actions are built.

Changing habits is no small feat, but altering beliefs—the very essence of our identity—presents an even greater challenge. Our beliefs are rooted in our values, the guiding principles that define who we are and what we stand for. These values are the cornerstone of our business’s identity.

Understanding this intricate interplay between values, beliefs, and actions is essential for crafting a meaningful identity for our business. By examining the depths of the Identity Iceberg, we can unearth the guiding principles that will steer our business towards success.

5 Steps to Determining your Core Value

1. Reflect on Your Habits. Take stock of the daily routines and practices within your business. Are they aligned with your desired values and identity?
2. Question Your Beliefs. Challenge the underlying assumptions and convictions that drive your business decisions. Are they serving your long-term goals?
3. Define Your Values. Identify the core principles that you want your business to embody. These values should resonate with your mission and vision.
4. Cultivate Your Identity. Nurture a company culture that reflects your values at every level, from leadership to frontline staff.
5. Embrace Adaptation. Just as icebergs evolve over time, so too should your business’s identity. Stay flexible and open to growth.

Incorporating the Identity Iceberg model into your business strategy can provide invaluable insights into your core values and identity. Adapted from Edward T Hall’s Cultural Iceberg model, this framework offers a profound understanding of the intricate layers that shape our businesses and ourselves.

As you navigate the waters of entrepreneurship, let your values guide you, showing the way forward for your business. Embrace the journey of self-discovery, and watch as your identity emerges, strong and resilient, above the surface of the ever-changing tides.

We have a few more resources to help on your Core Value journey which might be of use. You can find them here.