Solving ESG Puzzles: Keeping your core values simple

Written by Caitlin Roxburgh

Last week we considered how to back up values with authentic actions. This week, we’re stripping back communication to its core; ensuring that your values are clear and consistent. 

You may have multiple ESG activities in play, but are they all relevant to the specific audience you’re talking to? Communicating your commitments is a great way to add value to relationships, yet bombarding people with everything you’re working on may make them shut down.  

Keeping it simple is essential to developing relationships at a steady and consistent pace. Making your core values informative, intriguing and punchy holds your clients’ attention and sparks curiosity, leading to more long-term relationships. 

So, how do you ensure that your core values are informative enough, whilst allowing space to inspire curiosity? You could try:  

• Developing a unique description that figureheads your wider ESG projects and values. 
• Considering what values your competitors are highlighting, then bringing attention to actions that distinguish you.
• Ensuring your core values are regularly circulated internally, so your people naturally refer to them, demonstrating that ESG is baked into your firm’s DNA. 

“The key to good communication is simplicity – speak clearly, speak concisely, and speak from the heart.”

Dr Rachel Robins, Director of The Conversation Company

You can download the full report here.