By: Janifer Wheeler, The JOYFull BadAss

Core values aren’t just feel-good words slapped on a mission statement. They’re the behaviors that define you—non-negotiable, unshakeable, and unapologetically bold. 

They steer your team, inspire your culture, and glue your organization together. Whether you’re running a school, leading a startup, or wrangling a team in HR, your core values are your culture’s DNA. 

Ignore them, downplay them, or fake them, and it shows. Trust me, people can smell BS from a mile away.

But here’s the kicker—your core values have to mean something. They need to reflect a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility (DEIBA). If your values don’t challenge outdated norms and show up in real, tangible ways, then they’re not values—they’re just empty words.

What Do Core Values Really Do?

Core values set the tone for everything. They are the FIRST competency in the Continuous Cultural Improvement Model™.

They shout what your organization stands for, not just to your employees but to customers and stakeholders too. When they’re actionable, distinctive, and linked to results, you’re setting yourself apart. People become invested. They see what makes you you.

Here’s what good core values should do:

• Anchor behaviors: Want change? Start here. Your values tell your people how to act and why it matters. For starters, go beyond vague mantras like “Integrity matters.” Show how it impacts performance. Define what integrity looks like in action.
• Demand results: Your values are worthless if they don’t push you forward. Connect them directly to what you’re trying to achieve, whether it’s happier employees, stronger teams, or a reputation customers rave about.
• Challenge the status quo: Anti-woke rhetoric? DEI pushback? Stop letting that noise hold you back. If your core values stand for inclusivity or equality, don’t back down. Staying true to those who believe in DEI isn’t just ethical—it’s strategic. DEI champions will support and elevate you. And haters? Well, they’re probably not your ideal audience anyway.

Why Living Your Values Matters

Values that sit on a breakroom poster collect dust. Values that show up in daily decisions change the game. When your people see the connection between values, behavior, and results, it clicks. They feel the impact. And when your leadership stands firmly behind those values—especially when it’s inconvenient or unpopular—they respect you for it.

Need another reason? Consider this. Diverse, inclusive, and empathetic organizations attract top talent. They deliver better outcomes. They resonate with customers who want to spend their dollars with companies that give a damn. Playing it safe won’t get you there. Living your values boldly will.

Tips for Staying True to the Core

You don’t need a 100-page playbook to live your values—just a little consistency and a lot of courage. Here’s how to make core values stick:

1. Call bullshit on bad behavior. When people veer off-course, correct it. If someone’s actions clash with your values, don’t tiptoe around it. Handle it.
2. Back up DEIBA with action. Inclusion isn’t optional—it’s the backbone of thriving cultures. Provide resources, opportunities, and platforms that support underrepresented communities in your organization. 
3. Show results. Measure how your values impact performance. If inclusivity boosts collaboration or improves decision-making, spell it out.
4. Talk about them. Celebrate when your team lives the values. Repeat the message until it becomes second nature.
5. Align them with hiring. If your values are X, then hire people who embody X. Period. Don’t settle.

Living Proof: Janifer’s Core Values in Action

Janifer doesn’t just talk about inclusivity, empathy, truth-telling, and growth—she lives it. These values drive everything she does, from her Inclusive AF newsletter to her consulting services. They shine through her approach to Continuous Cultural Improvement, helping organizations build cultures that thrive. 

You’ll see them in her board service too, where she represents DEIBA and #JOYFullWorkplaces culture for the Round Rock Chamber, WilcoHR, Round Rock Pride, and the Austin LGBTQ Chamber. Her work isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about making change that lasts.

Janifer’s values remind us that when you lean into truth and inclusivity, you open doors for growth. And when you prioritize growth—real, messy, human growth—everything else gets better.

Final Word (And a Call to Action)

Core values are the heart of your organization. They demand consistency. They deliver results. They make you stand out. 

Don’t dilute them because someone said DEIBA is “too political” or “too controversial.” (Spoiler alert: It’s really not.) Be bold. Be clear. And for the love of all things good, be consistent.

Now’s the time to act. Build core values that drive your organization forward. 

Need guidance? Reach out to Janifer for practical steps to infuse cultural clarity and DEIBA into your team, school, or business. Together, you can make core values that matter—and a culture that thrives.

Meet Janifer, a trailblazer in cultivating inclusive and thriving environments, both in education and business. With a robust background as a teacher and district-level Director of Continuous School Improvement, she partnered with the Texas Education Agency to elevate student success across diverse demographics. Janifer’s passion for creating supportive cultures led to the development of her Continuous Cultural Improvement™️ model, a transformative tool for small businesses to foster inclusivity, accessibility, and equity. Now, she leverages her expertise to offer professional learning and development services, helping businesses embrace diversity and drive impactful change. Janifer is committed to harnessing the power of learning as a catalyst for growth and success in every community she touches. Follow Us on LI: Wheelhouse Learning Solutions.