Our Values

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Here at Compass, we are ever mindful of the wisdom of the venerable entrepreneur Tony Hsieh:

“Many companies have core values, but they don’t really commit to them…. Don’t make your core values just a meaningless plaque on the wall.”
– Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos

And when we got together to put down the values of The Compass Fellowship on paper, we realized that we had all put so much thought into this subject, that we could probably write a book. So we did, and you can download it right here: Values Guide.pdf

But you’re an entrepreneur. Your time is very valuable, and so we’ve taken pains to keep it short, simple, and to the point. If you’re already running late to brunch, then here’s the short, short version:

The Core Compass Values

1. Participate Proactively

2. Commit Unreasonably

3. Live Consciously

4. Think Adventurously

These values reflect the fundamental principles that Compass entrepreneurs have shared since the beginning. This Values Guide is required reading for every member of Compass. We select students for our program on the basis of these values, and they are an integral part of everything we do.

More than simply reading these words, reciting them, or even committing them to memory (which are all nice things, too), the real challenge to members of Compass lies in committing oneself to these values, living and breathing them in the course of the program, and in life.