A seven value statement that bound a dispersed, largely independent workforce to one ethos.
Stephanie Shirley's framework, from Let It Go, pp. 147 to 159.
Professional excellence
Improve professional abilities to maintain a quality product and develop individual potential.
Growth
Grow at least as fast as the software industry to stay an attractive employer and competitive supplier.
Economic and psychological reward
Realise profits, reward the workforce, maintain the Employee Trust and give shareholders a return.
Integrated diversity
Use consistent procedures worldwide to lower cost while acting as a national of each country.
Universal ethics
Respect local customs and laws, and hold human dignity and ethical conduct beyond the profit motive.
Goodwill
Believe in the goodwill of colleagues, clients and vendors, which yields long term relationships.
Enthusiasm
Treat the ability to engender enthusiasm as the essential leadership quality.
From chapter: 14. Slings and Arrows, pp. 147–159
By the early 1980s the company is making serious profits, Shirley is honoured with an OBE and public roles, and the overseas ventures are wound down as ill fitting. She struggles with a managing director, Alison Newell, and learns that she must stop thinking of it as her company. The company writes an influential 1984 Charter of 580 words that sets out mission, strategy and seven values, which she believes gave it a unique selling proposition.
