The Seven Values that Drive Giant Shoulders

Partnering with Impact Consultants to develop brand strategy and strategic planning for West Elmwood Housing Corporation.

At Giant Shoulders, we work with leaders and visionaries to build movements around disruptive ideas. This work can be both exciting and challenging; therefore, we work closely with our clients as if we were an extension of their leadership and team. All our working relationships begin with several client “dates,” times to get to know each other and seek alignment on vision, mission, and, most importantly, values. Here are the seven values we’ve defined that drive everything we do.

I. Collaborate

If you want to go far, go together

Collaboration is a vital part of our mindset. As leaders, we can not accomplish anything meaningful without our teams. To build the strongest teams, we need to start by acknowledging our blindspots and then invite people with different skill sets, insights, and perspectives to be part of the process.

II. Be Authentic

Show up with your best creative self

We believe authenticity is as simple as showing up with your best creative self. Great leaders know that everyone, from top management to the newest team member, brings something to the table that no one else can. When we help each other find that inner greatness, we help our teams succeed.

III. Find Purpose

Work towards something greater than oneself

When you clarify the purpose of your company or movement, you do more than giving shape to your vision. You also help every team member align to a greater purpose, freeing them to show up with their best selves, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully toward a common goal.

IV. Serve People

Work towards something greater than oneself

We believe, in all things, people come first, and you lead best when you put others first. We come from a service mindset, anticipating needs, cheering each other on, and taking the extra steps to help others excel in life.

V. Stay Curious

Flexibility, discovery, and openness to better ideas

Shunryu Suzuki once said, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.” In other words, staying curious is the most challenging thing for an expert to do. To keep our options open, we must intentionally create an environment of flexibility and discovery, where the best ideas can rise to the top.

VI. Be Pragmatic

Leverage data and research

Great leaders are known for their actions, not just their words. We use knowledge, wisdom, and data to look for solutions and calculate the risks and challenges. When we work on new ideas, strategies, brands, products, or services, at some point, we all have to take a leap of faith. Data-driven work and thoughtful research allow us to take the leap with confidence.

VII. Be Generous

Pay it forward

Finally, we believe in generosity. We believe that what makes great brands great are its people; therefore, we generously invest in people, helping them grow in their confidence and skills. We are always finding ways to give away what we have learned in the hope that it will inspire others because we got to where we are by standing on the shoulders of giants who came before us so that we can see further.