TPS Guiding Principles
At the Paradigm Switch (TPS), our values guide our decisions, actions, and behaviors every single day.
We have 5 core values.
- Honesty- we are vulnerable and genuine
- Courage- we make brave and powerful decisions
- Compassion- we are empathic and graceful
- Focus- we make sacrifices with purpose
- Simplicity- we seek progress not perfection
We value honest conversations, by showing up as our authentic selves, even when we don’t like who we are in that exact moment. We understand that vulnerability is the catalyst for personal and professional growth. We honor people who are making brave and powerful decisions in their lives everyday to be the best version of themselves. We act with compassion for ourselves and others around us. We show up as role models in every situation — even when it’s the harder thing to do. We are focused with our time — whether we are at work, with our families, volunteering within our communities, or even taking care of ourselves. We acknowledge that we are constantly evolving and moving toward “better than yesterday.” By focusing on progress forward and not perfection we know that nothing is impossible.
Honesty
We applaud authenticity and honest conversations. We show up in ways that are true to who we are and the season of life we are currently living in. We see the big picture and are always honest with ourselves along the way. We strive to identify our vulnerabilities and ensure that we are rooted in our own path in achieving our own personal happiness — whatever that may be.
Because honesty matters at The Paradigm Switch, we are able to have open and authentic conversations that are grounded in trust. We can be ourselves with each other and that is why there is no political posturing, pretending, or backstabbing. We are passionate about what we do and understand that behaviors like these get in the way of our ambitious goals and ultimately serve no one.
Courage
We are brave enough to do courageous things, even when it’s hard. Bravery shows up at all levels — from the individual, to the team, and to the organization, both internally and externally. For example, once we have identified our authentic selves we act courageously in the direction for change. We make difficult decisions that spurs growth, and push back against outdated societal norms.
We are also vulnerable with each other. It’s okay to share doubts and insecurities at The Paradigm Switch. Sometimes this means acknowledging that we don’t have the capacity or skills for the task at hand, or that we sense a potential for burnout. This candor allows us to adjust and move forward smartly and not allowing fear to stop us in our tracks.
Compassion
We begin with kindness, to ourselves and toward others — this is foundational. With every action, word, and deed, we make the choice to be kind and compassionate. We show up as a role model in every situation-even when it is the harder thing to do. We set the tone and lead by example in all situations.
We always assume noble intent and we trust each other’s intention. Even when we give or receive tough news, we know that it’s coming from a place of kindness. We understand that all individuals are on their own journey. As a result we can only provide our own story of experience and not expert advice. Ultimately we must meet people where they are in life and leave judgement or the “I told you so” mentality behind.
Focus
We are intentional with our time and our actions — whether we are at work, with our families, volunteering within our communities, and or even when taking care of ourselves. Our lives are multi-faceted, and we play multiple roles everyday. Creating balance is very much about the choices we make (or don’t make). We believe that we have tremendous power to craft the lives we want to lead. This means being responsible with our time and how we spend it.
We must make time for things that are important to us and in some cases make short term sacrifices that align with our courageous decision to pursue our own long-term personal happiness. We understand that focus and clarity are the root to living with purpose and intention.
Simplicity
We succeed, by focusing on progress forward and not perfection. We acknowledge that we are constantly evolving and moving toward “better than yesterday.’ Getting a simple 3rd draft out to the world and learning from the experience is better than stalling and or not taking any action at all.
In order to accomplish this we must keep it simple and maintain a positive mindset. We are solution-oriented and always looking for ways to overcome obstacles. We focus on the task at hand, rather than over thinking the big picture and allowing self-doubt to creep in. Nothing is impossible. We’d rather shoot for the moon and miss than aim too low and succeed.
