What are Our Values?
Our Values are eight principles that we group together because they are the foundation of our culture. The eight principles are: Integrity, Stewardship & Compliance, Principled Entrepreneurship™, Transformation, Knowledge, Humility, Respect and Self-Actualize.
Our Values are highlighted in the Virtue and Talents Dimension.
Principle in Brief
Of all the proven principles of human progress, these eight are the foundational values of our culture and thus are among the most important for all of us to exemplify daily. They are an essential aspect of our Virtue and Talents dimension. They define who we are as an organization and are necessary for the long-term success of Koch and each of us.
1. Integrity
Have the courage to always act with integrity.
2. Stewardship & Compliance
Act with proper regard for the rights of others, especially regarding safety and the environment. Comply with all laws and regulations. Stop, think and ask.
3. Principled Entrepreneurship™
Create virtuous cycles of mutual benefit by becoming a preferred partner of customers, employees, suppliers, communities and other core constituencies. Continually seek to identify and close the gaps between what you are and what you could be accomplishing if you were fully applying Principle Based Management™.
4. Transformation
Transform yourself and help the company and others to do the same. Develop the visions, strategies, capabilities, products and services that will enable us to satisfy unmet needs and create superior value.
5. Knowledge
Seek and acquire the best knowledge from any and all sources that will enable you to innovate and improve results. Share your knowledge proactively. Provide and solicit challenge consistently and respectfully.
6. Humility
Be humble, intellectually honest and deal with reality constructively. Develop an accurate sense of self-worth based on your strengths, limitations and contributions. Hold yourself and others accountable to these standards.
7. Respect
Treat everyone with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. Include and embrace different perspectives, experiences, aptitudes, knowledge and skills in order to leverage the power of diversity.
8. Self-actualize
Be all you can be. Identify, develop and apply your gifts and passions so you can best contribute in ways that are most meaningful to you. Be a lifelong learner.
Understand it Better
Examples
Here are some ways we use Our Values to guide our actions and decisions.
- Feedback and Coaching
- Giving Guidance
- Innovating
“Brandon, you did a really great job getting the conveyor problem fixed. You applied Our Value of Knowledge by asking others for their ideas and opinions. That made a big difference.”
“As you start this project, you really want to keep Our Value of Principled Entrepreneurship in mind. There are many different stakeholders, and we want to be good partners with all of them so we can create win-win outcomes.”
“Our Value of Stewardship and Compliance inspired me to try a new approach. We were already compliant with the law, but I had a feeling we could make this process even safer. I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Give it a Try
Applying Our Values often requires reflection, asking questions, and discussion. Here are some prompts to get you started.
- Reflect: Which aspects of Our Values come more naturally to you? Which aspects are harder for you to apply?
- Study Our Values (see the above Principle in Brief ) and the Motivations and Behaviors tool. What connections do you see between being Contribution Motivated and living Our Values?
- Why do you think Koch cares so much about workplace culture?
- What are some ways you can hold yourself and others accountable for contribution (positive or negative) to our culture?
- What are some specific things you can do so your group's culture more fully exemplifies Our Values?