Values Demand Sacrifices

Shaan Puri discusses how meaningful company values require acknowledging real trade-offs and costs, using examples like Facebook's "Move Fast and Break Things" to illustrate how true values aren't just empty statements but commitments that come with sacrifices.

Key Points:

• Most Company Values Are "Painted Chicken":

  • Like Subway's "Eat Fresh" slogan while using pre-processed food
  • Companies often make claims without backing them up with real actions
  • Most values are just "table stakes" (like being honest) that mean nothing

• Real Values Require Trade-offs:

  • Must acknowledge what you're willing to give up
  • Should have a cost or downside you're willing to accept
  • Values without trade-offs are meaningless platitudes

• Creating Meaningful Values:

  • Choose ONE thing, not ten things
  • Make it real by acknowledging the cost/trade-off
  • Make it catchy and provocative to be memorable

• Example: Facebook's "Move Fast and Break Things":

  • Most CEOs would agree with "moving fast"
  • Few would accept "and break things" part
  • The trade-off makes it meaningful and actionable

• Characteristics of Strong Values:

  • Should be provocative (like "Don't Be Evil" vs just "Be Good")
  • Must influence behavior when boss isn't around
  • Should differentiate you from others in your space

• Zuckerberg's Theory on Values:

  • Most organizational values don't mean much
  • The defining principle should have an interesting trade-off
  • Must give something up to get what you want
  • Values are not free