The core values were first brought to my attention during my interview, in which John went through and explained them each to me and what they meant to this organization. As I sat attentively, I thought that the idea of having a list of values was something fresh and new. Never before have I seen it at a place where I have worked or interviewed; so naturally it made me that much more excited to work for SHM.

Not only should these values be used daily at the work place, but in every day life. First of all, having someone's back both personally and professionally is a skill not learned easily. Some people tend to separate their work life from their personal life, but at the end of the day they both make up who you are so there is no use avoiding one for the sake of the other; if something in your personal life is bothering you, it's going to reflect in the work place. The same is true in reverse.

Secondly is owning your work. Be proud of what you do, whether it is a total flop or total success. Sure everyone want's you to be successful, but if you cannot own up to your failures, then it is less rewarding when you succeed. This is a mentality I wish I had sooner in life; but no matter what you do, whether it is work related or socially related, own your mistakes and own your triumphs.

For my third statement, I'm going to roll the last two into one; having each others backs and we are family. These two, in my eyes, are two of the most important for they describe everything in total. To have each others backs, you need to be supportive of their decisions and know when to give in an opinion, no one wants to watch another fail. It also gives reasoning to why we are a family. We all work together for a common goal which bonds us together even more. These strategies on life will be what brings together friendships both in and out of the workplace.

I believe these core values to be defiant of what someone should be 'round the clock, not just at work. It gives a sense of stability and belonging, which everyone needs in life.