Core Ideology, a concept I learned from Jim Collins, might also be understood as the “self-identity” of the company. To me this means three things:
1. The company’s purpose, why it exists : mission
2. What it seeks to become : vision
3. What it stands for : core values
Of these three, the mission and vision may be somewhat fluid, but the values should rarely change.
The process of thinking this through, articulating it, and getting it down on paper preoccupied me for months. It dominated my thoughts in every possible moment until I could express our mission, vision and core values. I even purchased a voice recorder to get the crazy out of my head.
The finished statements were well worth it. They served as a guiding light for my business over the long haul. They served as goads to keep me on track when my steering got a little loose or when I became discouraged by life’s unexpected events.
Core Ideology is very personal. I’ve decided not to share mine here because I truly believe you will benefit more from struggling through the process yourself. It’s extremely important. It requires a deep dive into what makes you you and will help modulate the emotional rollercoaster of operating a small business.
Do the work of defining your Core Ideology. It will serve you well.
Further Reading:
Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, by Jim Collins
Made In The Shade 