Navigating success: The significance of our guiding stars

At commercetools, our Guiding Stars define our identity and illuminate our path to success, guiding our hiring, performance management and people development. Find out what they mean and how they shape our company's culture and vision.

Within the business universe, navigating the path to success can feel like charting a course through uncharted waters. At commercetools, we've recognized the importance of having steadfast Guiding Stars to steer us through the complexities and uncertainties. These Guiding Stars — Adapt Boldly, Cultivate Belonging, Champion Customers and Drive Results — not only define who we are, but also illuminate the path toward our goals. They serve as the cornerstone for our hiring, performance management and people development, and they help commercetoolers identify with each other and the company. 

The path to finding our Guiding Stars was not necessarily an easy one. It was a multi-month, cross-functional project which included excited commercetoolers who met regularly, to research, dissect, discuss and collaborate in order to define our shared values. From that hard work and dedication, we came away with the four pillars that serve as our Guiding Stars:

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, adaptability is not merely an advantage; it's a necessity. Embracing change with boldness and agility allows us to stay ahead of the curve, seize new opportunities and navigate challenges effectively. By fostering a culture that encourages bold adaptation, we empower our teams to innovate, experiment and push boundaries, ensuring that we remain resilient and relevant in the face of change. 

At the heart of every successful organization lies a sense of belonging—a feeling that every member is valued, respected and heard. By cultivating a culture of inclusivity and belonging, we create an environment where diversity thrives, ideas flourish and collaboration prospers. When individuals feel a genuine sense of belonging, they are more engaged, motivated and committed to contributing their best work. By prioritizing belonging, we not only strengthen our team but also foster a sense of community that extends to our customers and partners.

In a customer-centric world, success hinges on our ability to understand, anticipate and exceed the needs and expectations of our customers. By placing our customers at the center of everything we do, we cultivate trust, loyalty and advocacy, laying the foundation for long-term relationships and sustainable growth. When we champion our customers, we prioritize empathy, responsiveness and excellence, ensuring that every interaction leaves a positive and lasting impression. By continuously listening to and learning from our customers, we drive innovation, improve experiences and deliver value that resonates deeply.

While lofty aspirations and noble intentions are essential, they are meaningless without tangible results. By setting ambitious goals, holding ourselves accountable and relentlessly pursuing excellence, we turn vision into reality and aspirations into achievements. By fostering a culture of performance and accountability, we inspire our teams to push beyond limits, overcome obstacles and deliver measurable outcomes that propel us forward. When we drive results, we demonstrate our commitment to excellence, sustainability and long-term success, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed expectations.

In essence, our Guiding Stars serve as beacons of inspiration, illuminating the path toward our collective vision and purpose. By embracing them, we not only define who we are but also shape who we aspire to become. 

If these values align with your own, then it sounds like you'd be a great fit for the commercetools team. Check out our Careers page if you agree.