Organizations, Including Churches, Should Publish Their Values

When the arborist quoted me nine hundred and fifty dollars to remove one diseased palm tree from my front yard, I said that’s a little high, can you do better? I’ll email you a written estimate. Three days later, no written estimate. I called another tree removal company; they came out, gave me a price and, the next day cut the tree down, hauled it away, and swept the sidewalk free of debris and sawdust—$300.

When I thanked the owner and gave him the check, He replied, “I get most of my business from referrals; I have to give more service than my customer expects.”

I replaced the carpet in two rooms of my home with wood flooring along, with painting a bathroom, and installed a new fixture. The contractor volunteered to meet me at Lowes and help select the accessories.

I appreciated observing a craftsman at work. The mitering for the molding came from a master’s hand. The job, when completed, was perfect, the clean-up immaculate, and the carpenter’s positive attitude refreshing. Yes, he is his company’s only employee. Another entrepreneur providing, fast, professional service. I’ll recommend him to my friends.

Dynavistics is a software and services company owned by two young entrepreneur friends of mine. They sell software and services worldwide., and their company values are framed and placed on a wall, like many others. The difference is these values guide every decision they make. Before accepting a new client, they ask, “Will our relationship with this potential client integrates with our values,” if not, they forgo the new business.

Here is a list of their nine values.

1.   Competency–We value skill and real-world knowledge.

2.   Honesty—If we don’t have the right solution for your business, we will tell you.

3.   Work/Life Balance—Our employees make work an enjoyable part of their lives.

4.  Community—We give back through time and money to make our community a better place.

5.   Quality—We strive to deliver the highest quality software and services.

6.   Reputation—We value our professional and personal reputations.

7.   Rewards—Our entire company shares in the rewards of accomplishing our goals.

Three companies, three entrepreneurs, and three examples of Old-time Customer Service. You shouldn’t be surprised to find excellent customer service in an entrepreneurial organization; their business survival depends on it.

Customers have a choice for service—excellent service or bad service. But then bad service is oxymoronic, costly, and unforgiving.

Does your church have a published set of values for the members to live by?