Principles Over Perks: The True Foundation of Culture

Defining Principles

When it comes to hiring and leadership, we can be tempted to compromise our principles in pursuit of quick recruitment wins.

Hiring isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about establishing and upholding the core values that define our company culture. Culture isn’t about team lunches, snacks, or offsite activities—it’s about the behaviors that embody our values day in and day out. 🍃

Just as a gardener understands the unique needs of each plant and cultivates an environment where each of them can thrive, leaders must understand the unique qualities of their team members. 🌱 The featured image is from my own garden—a place where careful nurturing and alignment with nature’s principles leads to growth and beauty. 

The Power of Hiring on Principles

Years ago, I met an individual at a career fair who didn’t fit the profile for any existing roles at my company. But because I knew our principles holistically, I saw the potential to create a role that aligned with our mission and values. Today, that individual is a core part of our team, contributing in ways we never could have anticipated. 💡

This is what it means to be a leader in talent acquisition and development. Whether you’re a founder, CEO, or manager, your job is to understand your company’s culture and principles so well that you can see potential where others might not. It’s about aligning talent with your mission, even if it means customizing roles that don’t fit a clear job description but do fit your values. 🧩

We all need to commit to the arduous work of being self-aware, reflective, and unwavering in our principles. Our culture is a reflection of our behaviors, and it’s up to us to ensure those behaviors are aligned with our core values. 🔍