Values are Meaningful

In order for values to mean something, they must first be implemented within the organization. Anyone can hang a plaque on the wall listing the values of the company but until these values are practiced and held to a high regard they are nothing more than "wall art."
Although the company Cisco Systems had some hardships when the collapse of the market for telecom equipment occurred; they were able to recover by making adjustments to the company's strategy which relied on the values set early in the company. Management realized that the value system set up in the early stages of the company's development contributed to the success; therefore it was important to go back to these values.
John Morgridge, the company’s chairman, said: “The key to the values is more how they are practiced than what they say. Current key words and phrases (around the company) are customer success, drive change, open communication, fun, empowerment, market transitions, no tech religion, frugality, giving back, stretch goals, and teamwork. Some go back almost to the start and some reflect more what we have been doing all along.
This statement means that a company can become relaxed in its values, only touching on those that seem to mean the most and/or are easy to implement. When a company experiences hardships they should reevaluate what made them successful in the beginning and review these values to see where they need improvements. Company values should be more than “wall art” they should be art that is appreciated and respected.