These days there are lots of talks about core values.

I personally happen to believe that most talk about core values are nonsence. Because you have them, if you want to or not. But the whole purpose of examining and scribble down the true core values of a company is that it will serve as a blue print and compass for your company. The reason we need a blue print and compass is that we get lost in action, we get seduced by people, products, markets, consultants, new technology, we get confused by our competitors and suppliers and what have you. Is there anything sadder than being in a company office and you see the values on the walls and you just know that the people in the organization are so detached from it’s core.

 

Knowing and living by your core values will help you when recruiting, it will serve as guidelines when doing investments, it will help peoples decisions even when the boss is away.

 

We have always had our core values written down. But I can tell that most of the time people didn’t know where to find them and they were not reinforced hard enough.

Core values are like a bible and we have had people who interpret them like the devil reads the bible.

Like this one: “You say in your core values that we should think and do things different, why aren’t we allowed to work from home or from the park when it’s nice weather. Why do we have to be in a office at eight in the morning.” True story.

Or when people think that go for it means: what the hell I’m just going to do it, even if I was specifically told not to. It’s in our core value system. True story also.

Or when family and fun simply means fooling around in the office ignoring deadlines or perhaps selling drugs to a coworker.

Or when share means taking what belongs to the company.

Well the interpretations can get endless. But if you hire people who relates to values with their hearts and not simply pay lip service it really works. But this is something you should find out before hiring. That’s our experience.

 

Our core values or The Travelstart Spirit as we call it now has evolved over the years and during certain periods some things are over emphasized. But over time these have stood the test:

 

 

Think Different

From what angle do you see things? At Travelstart we like to think and do things differently. We want to drive change and innovate in our industry and in life.

 

Explore the inventor within you. You are one of a kind so be creative and use your imagination!

 

Share

We see beauty in transparency and to be whom we say we are. Open communication and no closed doors. Avoid rumors by always going straight to the source.

 

Share your wealth, wisdom, ideas and thoughts. Strive to give more than you take.

 

 

 

Go 4 it

Travelstarters are doers! Better to ask for forgiveness than permission. We believe that freedom to act creates more room for great ideas. Take ownership, inspire and engage others to come along.

 

Jump first, fear later!

 

Romance the customer 

We romance our customers at every point of contact by treating them the way we want to be treated. With professionalism, respect and charm we build relationships that last.

 

A Travelstart experience should be one worth remembering. You are Travelstart’s most important ambassador. Spread the love and build excellence in reputation!

 

Business first        

A growing business is the core of our being. Therefore, we use our resources wisely and effectively.  In all activities our mantra is to do more with less. Simplify and automate!

 

Look at the big picture and think long term in all decisions. Ask yourself: what is best business- now and later?

 

Passion as compass

To be passionate is to do stuff you love! A passionate Travelstarter is one who embraces challenges, has a curious mindset and an optimistic attitude.

 

We are passionate to be a world class company. Passionate to see people grow and develop. Passionate to fight the good fight. Passionate to- you name it!

 

 

Silk & Steel

We value both humility and pride. Know yourself and know your history. Be a David and beat Goliath with great attitude and warrior spirit.

 

Be open to the world around you and bold to act on your gut feeling. Silk and steel is about finding balance in all you do. It´s the Yin and Yang.

 

Family & Fun

Together we create the unique Travelstart vibe. It is pervaded by trust, respect, tolerance, love and laughter. We are inclusive and never exclusive.

 

Celebrate successes of all size and show empathy in setbacks. Don’t take yourself too damn serious and most of all- have fun!