If you’re not aligned with our values, you’re out

Most companies talk about values. Very few are willing to lose business because of them.

As I reflect on an incredible 30+ year journey building MPI Recruitment, one resounding truth emerges from the tapestry of experiences, challenges, and triumphs: the undeniable importance of shared values.

It's a simple yet profound principle that has guided us to where we stand today. Workplace values alignment has become non-negotiable.

Why workplace values alignment isn’t optional

If our values aren't aligned, there’s simply no point in us working together.

This applies across the board, from the talented individuals we bring into our team and the valued clients we partner with, to the collaborators and stakeholders we engage with along the way.

What happens when company values align...and when they don’t?

When values are shared a remarkable synergy is unleashed, uniting everyone in a common purpose and driving collective efforts towards shared goals. Things move faster and decisions get easier.

Conversely, when values clash, the inevitable result is friction, frustration, and a gradual erosion of progress, ultimately hindering success. No amount of process fixes that.

At MPI, we continue to weave these three core values into the fabric of our organisation:

Bravery, Integrity, and Inclusivity.

These aren’t buzzwords or trendy slogans. They’re deeply ingrained principles that are our compass, shaping our journey and defining who we become as a business.

Values only matter if they drive action

It is though also critically important that the chosen words possess two practical attributes.

First, they inspire.

If people don’t feel something, values don’t stick. They make every employee proud of where they work because they believe we're building something at least a little bit special here at MPI. It creates a sense of belonging and shared purpose that resonates throughout the business.

Secondly, they encourage tangible action.

Values that don’t guide decisions are merely decoration. Effective core values provide guidance on how to make tough decisions.

In recruitment and search, we face ethical dilemmas and challenging situations daily. Having a clear set of values to fall back on gives us a framework for navigating these complexities, by reducing the fear to act. 

It allows us to make difficult choices with confidence, knowing we're staying true to the principles that define us. For example, if a potentially lucrative placement compromises our commitment to inclusivity, our values provide the guidance to make the right decision, even if it's the harder one.

What our values look like

So, what do our values look like, when acted out? This is what values-based recruitment looks like in action:

Bravery

• Daring to be different.
• Challenging the status quo.
• Embracing calculated risks.
• Pushing boundaries sometimes.
• Thinking outside the box.
• Constantly seeking innovative solutions to connect the right talent with the right opportunities.

These are just a few examples. It was this very bravery that fuelled us when we took a leap of faith and launched MPI from the front room of our home 30+ years ago. Back then, resources were limited, the market was competitive, fax machines were cutting edge and uncertainty loomed large. But we had a vision, a belief in our abilities, and the courage to pursue our dreams.

That decision still shapes how we hire today.

But that was then and as we all know, nothing stays the same. This inherent bravery has empowered us to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving recruitment landscape. It's enabled us to embrace new technologies, explore unconventional approaches, and consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients and candidates.

Whether it's pioneering new recruitment methodologies, investing in cutting-edge technology, or championing innovative workplace practices, bravery has been the driving force behind our desire to remain a leader in the industry.

Inclusivity

We believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. This commitment to inclusivity isn't just a matter of principle; it's a strategic imperative that’s built a values-driven business.

You must start with the belief that every individual brings something unique and valuable to the table. This rich tapestry of perspectives, and experiences broadens our understanding of the community in which we operate, enabling us to better serve our equally diverse client base and connect them with the talent they need to succeed.

Integrity

Integrity is the bedrock upon which we've built our reputation. We believe in honesty, transparency, and fostering trust in every interaction. This unwavering commitment to ethical conduct has earned us the respect and loyalty of clients and candidates alike.

It's the reason we can hold our heads high, knowing that we've always strived to do the right thing, even when faced with challenging circumstances or difficult decisions.

Integrity manifests itself in our transparent communication, our commitment to ethical practices, and our dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. We believe that by consistently acting with integrity, we not only build trust but also cultivate long-lasting relationships that are mutually beneficial and contribute to the overall success of our business.

And the big rub is of course, being values focussed will still not guarantee commercial success. We may still commercially fail, but we will have had more fun doing it and despite failure, we are far more likely to have made a difference.   

As suggested earlier though, values must be more than just posters on a wall; they need to be embedded into everything we do; processes, training programmes, performance evaluations, and every aspect of our daily operations.

How do you know if you’re living your values?

Despite all these concepts, they are nothing more than statements of intent, so how do you ACTUALLY KNOW you are living them?

You need to constantly advertise them and then give everyone permission to tell you, when they see them NOT being lived out.

And then of course you need the courage to listen and then the will to change something.

If you care about values, not just writing them but living them, we should talk.

If you are a values-driven organisation and you are looking for a recruitment partner, who will embed those into our search efforts for you, we’d love to hear from you.

And we’d love to have you join MPI’s 2^nd 30+ year journey.

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