A common theme to the most successful businesses and organizations is the use of Vision, Mission, and Core Values to guide the organization. In Good to Great Families, I apply these proven business techniques to leading our families. I also enjoy reading other business and family values, rules, or boundaries that are used to lead and provide boundaries for their business or family. We have our family Core Values posted on the refrigerator for reference when making choices or using for instruction. These are great tools to use and leaves no question as to how we are supposed to operate. I prefer to keep the list to less than 10, but the important point is to create something that works for you and your family. I don’t know the family that wrote the following list, but I thought I would share it with you.
In this house…
- We obey our Lord Jesus Christ.
- We love, honor and pray for one another.
- We tell the truth.
- We consider one another’s interests ahead of our own.
- We speak quietly and respectfully to one another.
- We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.
- When someone needs correction, we correct him with love.
- When someone is sorry, we forgive him.
- When someone is sad, we comfort him.
- When someone is happy, we rejoice with him.
- When we have something nice to share, we share it.
- When we have work to do, WE DO IT WITHOUT COMPLAINING.
- We take good care of everything that God has given us.
- We do not create unnecessary work for others.
- When we open something, we close it.
- When we turn something on, we turn it off.
- When we take something out, we put it up.
- When we make a mess, we clean it up.
- When we do not know what to do, we ask.
- When we go out, we act just as if we were in this house.
What a great tool to have around as a constant reminder and encouragement for our family. God gave Moses the ten commandments to instruct His people with the promise that if they listen and followed they would be blessed. He also encouraged families to diligently teach their children and write them on the doorposts of their homes.
Deuteronomy 6:7-9 “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”