--- title: "SPEED READING: ONE CODE" description: Every company has values. But most struggle to make them more than just words on posters. Unfortunately, core values can also be a source of cynicism. image: https://www.shiftpoints.com/hubfs/SOCIAL%20MEDIA%20QUOTE%20IMAGES/LinkedIn-Post_OneCode.jpg --- Search this site on Google Search Google [![SHIFTPOINTS - Cropped Logo](https://www.shiftpoints.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SHIFTPOINTS%20-%20Cropped%20Logo.jpg?width=360&height=63&name=SHIFTPOINTS%20-%20Cropped%20Logo.jpg)](http://WWW.SHIFTPOINTS.COM)   - [ABOUT](https://www.shiftpoints.com/overview) - [OUR COMPANY](https://www.shiftpoints.com/overview) - [OUR CEO](https://www.shiftpoints.com/dave-ramos) - [OUR BOOKS](https://www.shiftpoints.com/books-by-dave-ramos) - [CONTACT](https://www.shiftpoints.com/contact-shiftpoints) - [THE THREE SHIFTS](https://www.shiftpoints.com/the-three-shifts) - [INTRODUCTION](https://www.shiftpoints.com/the-three-shifts) - [START: DEVELOP ONE TEAM](https://www.shiftpoints.com/develop-one-team) - [SHIFT #1: DECIDE ONE THING](https://www.shiftpoints.com/decide-one-thing) - [SHIFT #2: DRIVE ONE DIRECTION](https://www.shiftpoints.com/drive-one-direction) - 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[January 2024 (1)](https://www.shiftpoints.com/blog/archive/2024/01) - [February 2025 (1)](https://www.shiftpoints.com/blog/archive/2025/02) 04-27-20 ## SPEED READING: ONE CODE ![LinkedIn-Post_OneCode](https://www.shiftpoints.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SOCIAL%20MEDIA%20QUOTE%20IMAGES/LinkedIn-Post_OneCode.jpg?width=1470&name=LinkedIn-Post_OneCode.jpg) ***Note:  This is an excerpt from my latest book, [Drive One Direction: How to Unleash the Accelerating Power of Alignment. ](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y2BBQQK)In the One Code chapter, we highlight companies who unleashed the accelerating power of alignment with an intense focus on their values.*** Every company has values. *But most struggle to make them more than just words on posters.* According to Wikipedia, a value system is “a set of consistent ethic values and measures used for the purpose of ethical or ideological integrity. A well-defined value system is a moral code.” Most—but certainly not all—of the companies we studied had a codified list of core values. Unfortunately, core values can also be a source of cynicism. Sadly, several CEOs we interviewed did not have their company’s values memorized. Dozens of employees shared stories of executives whose behaviors were in direct violation of their company’s values. Perhaps millions have been impacted by other forms of corporate hypocrisy. Despair.com has built a very nice business selling posters mocking core values. Here are a few examples: - Perseverance: The courage to ignore the obvious wisdom of turning back. - Procrastination: Hard work pays off over time, but laziness always pays off now. - Mediocrity: It takes a lot less time and most people won't notice the difference until it's too late. Unfortunately, Gallup’s research revealed that only 23 percent of employees know how to apply their company’s values to their work. Nonetheless, we included core values as one of the Accelerators because many exemplar companies used them effectively to create alignment. Some of the common best practices include: - They codified their values into One integrated value system. We call this your One Code. - They passionately communicate the values, so everyone knows what they are. - The employees—especially the senior executives—live them, breathe them, and personify them. - They only hire people who share their values, and never tolerate behavior that violates them. - They infuse their values into every fiber of the company, aligning every process, guiding every decision. - They reward and recognize people who demonstrate their values. - They justify them, so everyone knows WHY these are the values. - They translate their values into a set of expected behaviors. (Netflix calls this their “Culture Code.”) Core values can’t be seen on the balance sheet, but they can be one of your company’s most valuable assets. They can allow a company to withstand a crisis. They can guide leaders faced with radically complex decisions. Assuming they are more than just words on posters in the break room. In this chapter, we will explore how Blommer Chocolate, Hilton, the Mayo Clinic, and Netflix codified their values to unleash the accelerating power of alignment. [View Other Posts](https://www.shiftpoints.com/blog) [View all posts for this blog](https://www.shiftpoints.com/blog)   **Copyright © 2026, SHIFTPOINTS, Inc. All rights reserved.** The SHIFTPOINTS logo, Decide One Thing, Drive One Direction, The Pit Stop Program, and The Top Gear Program are Registered Trademarks of SHIFTPOINTS, Inc. - [ABOUT](https://www.shiftpoints.com/overview) - [THE THREE SHIFTS](https://www.shiftpoints.com/the-three-shifts) - [SERVICES](https://www.shiftpoints.com/services-and-programs) - [CLIENTS](https://www.shiftpoints.com/clients)