Core Value #6: Egos at the Door
At Turnkey, core values play a big role in what we do. We’ve been sharing our core values with you through our blog series to show you how we apply them and how you can use them as a jumping-off point to create your own. As we’ve been telling you, a core value is a timeless belief that is short and memorable. It can just be a couple of words. It expresses a point that you want to get across. At Turnkey, there are seven core values that we strive for:
Provide Remarkable Service
Work as a Team
Always be Learning
Find a Way to Win
Take Ownership
Leave Your Egos at the Door
Have Fun!
These core values are significant because they help us to achieve Remarkablism ™. This is the term our founder coined that expresses the focus to be the best person you can be every day. As you can imagine, this takes time. Focusing on core values helps to put us on a path of self-discovery and personal growth to achieve this. We achieve our core values by working on fundamentals.
A fundamental is a specific behavior that is stated as a clear “do this” action. It starts with a verb, names the trigger or situation, and defines what the expected standard is. Fundamentals are daily behaviors that make core values observable and repeatable. Let’s take a closer look at core value #6: Egos at the Door, and the fundamentals we can use to achieve this.
Leave Your Egos at the Door
When we leave our egos at the door, we prioritize the company over our department. We practice self-awareness, value feedback, and ask and learn from others. You need to have a bigger mindset that expands from what is immediately around you, and focus on the team’s collective success. It’s in your best interest to have the company’s best interest top of mind. If we want to achieve more, we need to build up the team around us. Putting egos at the door is about looking to the future to achieve more. If everyone can genuinely do that, we can all achieve more.By working on the following fundamentals, we can see this core value come to fruition.
Don’t Take Things Personally
When we internalize the thoughts and opinions of other people, we give them the power over our emotions and self-worth. When we don't take things personally and get curious about where they’re coming from, we can avoid our own suffering. It also gives us the opportunity to respond in a more optimal way. You don’t have to become a doormat. But sometimes we have to pick our battles. Instead of reacting impulsively, take a minute to think about where the other person is coming from. This can allow you to approach them in a calmer way. This can open up a dialogue for both of you.
Keep an Open Mind
You have to examine as many viewpoints as you can and keep an open mind. This is how creativity happens and how great truths are discovered. If you don’t take in the whole picture, you are limiting yourself. Reflect on yourself. Are you keeping an open mind and listening to other people’s beliefs? If you’re blocking people out, you’re only hurting yourself. Be curious and explore other people’s perspectives, and see what happens. You may be surprised at what happens!
Company First, Individual Second
We are one team working toward a united mission. We are not a group of individuals competing for resources. There is a bigger mindset. People have a tendency to work within their departments and work in individual territories. They can withhold knowledge, which only hurts the entire group. Think about what kind of leader and individual you are. Think about whether you are working towards the good of everyone or if you’re focused on yourself. Look to see that your results are aligned with the company’s best interests. Think about how you can break down departmental walls so everyone can work together.
Give Credit Where Credit’s Due
This fundamental focuses on recognizing others. As a leader, you want to recognize others. If you can’t recognize other people’s successes, you’re moving in the opposite direction of where we want to be to leave your ego at the door. When you see someone doing something good, let them know. That’s what good leaders do. Think about people you should express gratitude to and let them know that you value the good work they’ve been doing.
Listen to Understand
This is extremely necessary in all aspects of life. As humans, we have an instinct to problem solve and always know what the other person is going to say and do. But sometimes you just need to listen to understand. Focus on what the other person is trying to do and say. Understand where they’re coming from. Remember, people are not going to be open to listening to you unless you’re open to listening to them. See what you can do to understand someone else’s point of view and demonstrate that comprehension. You don’t have to agree with the other person, but you have to recognize what they’re saying and feeling. Ultimately, if you want other people to listen to you, you need to listen, even in areas where you are extremely passionate about. When you listen, you’ll see that other people will ask where you’re coming from and will want to listen to you. You’ll see that when you do this, you will build many more relationships this way.
Be Humble and Confident
This fundamental really ties into the core value of leaving egos at the door. It’s about believing in yourself without acting entitled or arrogant. It’s about having the right amount of vulnerability to admit when you don’t know something. When you’re arrogant, it can be a big turnoff and can hurt you more than it helps you. These types of people are typically the most insecure about themselves, even if they’re projecting super confidence. They're looking for other people to validate their self-worth. If you’re looking for others to validate your self-worth, it can be very dangerous. Look at your own accomplishments rather than waiting for validation from someone else. You also have to be willing to ask for help and ask questions. When you recognize that there are things you don’t know, you can become a better leader and person, and improve all aspects of your life.
Contact Turnkey Today to Learn More About Core Values
If all of this discussion about leaving egos at the door has you curious to learn more about core values, contact Turnkey. Let us share more about our core values and how we use them to achieve Remarkablism ™. We hold our core values close to us so that we can provide remarkable service. If you’re interested in learning more about how your company can benefit from core values, reach out to us today.
