A company’s core values are larger then mission and vision. When in dilemma or when lost, the company’s leadership should make a decision that matches its core values. Following your core values certainly never means that the outcome would be in the favor of the company but it certainly would be the right thing to do.
When all the options are used and exhausted but still there is no clarity on a particular matter, the leader should turn to the core values of the company and make the decision based on what the core value says. Core values are to the leaders, what lighthouse are to maritime pilots.
Mission and Vision should come from the belief in the core values. It should always reflect what the company believes in and leadership should live the core values of the company. This will make sure the whole company is following the core values and there is smoothness in the implementation of the strategies.
Core values are strong beliefs of the company, the superego of the company.