In the changing world of expanding businesses, finding the right balance between growth and fundamental values is crucial. Every successful company goes through a journey where it must navigate the challenge of staying true to its core principles while evolving over time. For founders and CEOs, it's not about growing the business, but also about preserving and strengthening the essence that defines their organisation. This in-depth exploration delves into how to manage changes while expanding your business, ensuring that your company's core values remain intact and even reinforced.

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It's crucial for the leadership team to embody the company's values, serving as a guide, for all levels of the organisation.

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A good example is Patagonia, a known outdoor apparel brand. Their leaders strongly emphasise advocacy, a key value of the company. This value isn't just discussed internally. It is also reflected in their business decisions, public statements and overall corporate actions reinforcing their core beliefs at every level.

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It's not about teaching specific job skills but also about instilling core values in the new employee onboarding process. A comprehensive orientation programme will help new hires grasp the company's mission, values and expected behaviours that's in line with these values.

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For example, consider Zappos. The company is well known for its customer service, which is a fundamental aspect of its identity. Every new employee undergoes training, on customer service to fully immerse themselves in Zappos values and service oriented culture even if they are not directly involved in the customer service department.

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The NPS gauges how likely employees are to recommend the company as a workplace. High ratings often indicate a connection, to the company’s fundamental beliefs as employees who share the company’s mission and culture are more inclined to promote the organisation.

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This method not only strengthens their fundamental beliefs but also fosters trust and unity throughout the organisation.

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People across levels can support and demonstrate core values playing a role in spreading and embedding them throughout the organisation. Cultural champions serve as advocates reinforcing the desired culture through their actions and influence.

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Salesforce relies heavily on these champions to embody and advocate for their values, ensuring that these principles are integrated into operations and interactions.

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Encouraging collaboration between departments helps break down barriers and promotes a culture. Working together across departments ensures that core values are present throughout the organisation fostering a cohesive cultural environment.

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Spotify utilises cross functional teams called 'squads' to collaborate on projects promoting teamwork and innovation across different units.

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By navigating changes in culture, companies can expand while still upholding the fundamental principles essential for lasting prosperity. This process requires commitment, involvement and adaptation but in the end it is this harmony that paves the way for sustainable development and lasting achievements.