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The Values were identified through a yearlong process that included input from employees in facilitated discussion groups and work sessions and using approaches and techniques that companies developing Values have had success with. Some members of the Smithbucklin board also contributed. A set of four Values — Optimism, Ambition, Expertise, and Thoughtfulness — emerged from this process. We believe this set of Values reflects a desired future-state culture that supports our vision, core strategies, and multi-year goals. The Values launched in 2024, replacing a previous set of Values that were more than 20 years old.
Our previous "Our Chosen Values" dates back more than 20 years. They served us well for a long time. Much has changed since their initial adoption, both inside Smithbucklin as well as externally. Our new Values reflect the guiding principles of the culture we are building to achieve sustained future success. As of June 4, 2024, “Our Chosen Values” are now retired and they will no longer be visible on our company website or any other printed or electronic resource. The new Values will replace them.
For the Values to become part of our day-to-day culture, they need to be easy to understand and recall. Fewer Values also required us to prioritize concepts that were most critical to the culture we want to establish and to our future success. Optimism, Ambition, Expertise, and Thoughtfulness rose to the top.
Values matter to Smithbucklin because they serve as guiding principles for our culture, actions, and decision-making. Values provide a shared understanding of what the organization stands for, what its employees are responsible for, as well as what our clients and partners can expect from us. This clarity strengthens our ability to attract talent, and our ability to create value in the markets we serve. Ultimately, these Values explicitly support our vision, strategies, and multi-year goals.
Our Values provide a shared understanding of what we expect from each other and what our clients expect of us. So, for all of us, it is about approaching our work by purposefully looking at our projects, tasks, and interactions through the lens of the Values. Refer to Our Values in Action for examples of how to integrate the Values into your work.
Our Values belong to everyone who works at Smithbucklin, including all Smithbucklin companies.
The 360 Way was a starting point for 360 Live Media when it was founded in 2011 and is a component of its legacy, influencing the organization, its people, and its impact on associations. The 360 Way embodied entrepreneurialism, clarity of purpose and commitment to culture which were attractive to Smithbucklin when we acquired 360 Live Media. During the creation of the Smithbucklin Values, we sought input from members of the 360 Live Media team. 360 Live Media adopted the Smithbucklin Values, while the replica of the 2011 “360 Way” chalk wall from 360 Live Media 's first home will remain in our D.C. office as an artifact of 360 Live Media's origin.
First, we should each consider ourselves champions of our Values. When we rolled out the Values in 2024, we trained people who were part of the development of the Values and/or nominated by leaders serve as resources to colleagues. Refer to Our Values Champions for the list of Champions.
Of course! You are welcome to talk informally to clients about our Values. If you need guidance, please talk with your Executive Director, unit head, or supervisor.
All employees are asked to reflect on how they can demonstrate the Values in their role as part of the Core Professional Group check-in and Executive Group annual performance review.
By sharing our Values with job candidates, we can share a window into our priorities, our culture, and our work environment. Candidates have reacted positively.
Over time, we will measure our ability to achieve the business outcomes (e.g., employee experience, client success, and financial results) that the Values are designed to enable.
Talk to your supervisor or a Values Champion if you have questions.
Please go to Submit a Values Idea. A member of the Corporate Marketing team will follow up to get more details.