Why Our Core Values Are Non-Negotiable
Six values we follow every day for each other and you
Strategy shifts. Roadmaps detour. Marketing pivots. That’s the nature of any organization, including Agility CMS.
But here, there is a set of principles which endure, strengthen, and are not subject to change. They are our Core Values, and they are not up for negotiation.
The six Core Values of Agility CMS…
- Make It Fun
- Build Trust
- Learn It, Teach It
- Collaborate
- Always Be Listening
- Always Be Innovating
…guide how we operate, how we hire, how we decide, and how we grow.
Core Values Shape Identity, Not Just Behaviour
The average length of an elevator ride in New York City is 118 seconds. Less than two minutes. In that time, I could explain that Agility CMS is a headless CMS platform and outline how it empowers content teams, developers, and businesses.
That’s “what we do.”
Our Core Values are “who we are.”
We see them as a shared language that everyone understands, regardless of their role or location. Think of them as a stop sign: if you’re in Canada or Thailand or the Middle East, you know a stop sign when you see it. And you know exactly what to do.
Our Core Values function in the same way. They offer clear signals about how we show up for customers, partners, and each other. Just like ignoring a stop sign, choosing to bypass our Core Values for the sake of expedience or convenience can lead to poor outcomes that are entirely preventable.
That’s why we don’t do it.
Our values guide our decisions, shape our interactions, and define the standards we hold ourselves to. Even when no one is watching.
Values Attract the Right People
Hiring for skills is critical. But we also hire for alignment. When the Core Values resonate with everyone, everything becomes stronger:
- Work becomes fun.
- Trust is built more easily and quickly.
- People are willing to learn and teach.
- Collaboration becomes commonplace.
- Listening occurs first.
- Innovation is always happening.
Someone who doesn’t align with our Core Values – even if they’re technically proficient within their role – isn’t a long-term fit.
By making our Core Values non-negotiable, we attract people who elevate the culture while weeding out (gently, but clearly) those who won’t be a good match.
Core Value Consistency
By always following the Core Values, our customers and partners trust our product, our services, and us. We’re always grateful when others see our values in action:
|
😄Make It Fun
|
|
🎓Learn It, Teach It
|
|
🧩Collaboration
|
|
🤝Build Trust
|
|
👂Always Be Listening
|
|
💡Always Be Innovating
|
Driving Short- and Long-Term Growth
The Core Values are etched, but they aren’t static. Learn It, Teach It reminds us that knowing everything isn’t the goal, but growth is. Always Be Listening isn’t about having a single chat, but an ongoing conversation with our stakeholders about what matters to them.
In 5, 10, 20 years, strategies will shift. Markets will change. Technologies will come and go. But values – correctly chosen and faithfully followed – endure beyond any trend or fad.
They become part of the institutional fabric. They anchor new people to shared purposes and remind established employees why they’re here. As time passes and transitions occur, they ensure the soul of an organization isn’t lost.
Final Thoughts
Our Core Values aren’t just words. They are who we choose to be when the pressure is on, and how we show up when a customer needs us most. They are signs we always follow, even when presented with a shortcut.
They bind us through the changes, challenges, and opportunities that await us every single day.
And that’s why they’re non-negotiable.
About the Author
Mauro Flammini is the Content Manager at Agility CMS. He has over 20 years of content marketing experience, including for international brands such as Research In Motion and Intuit. He lives in Hamilton, ON with his wife, two daughters, and one dog.
