Integrity	Service	Excellence
"Watch Your Character-It Becomes Your Destiny"

Core values? Hmmm…sounds like another passing fad! Right? Well, hardly! Tangent's core values are based on ethics, a system of moral principles or values, which are hardly new. As far back in history as the 6th century BC, Greek philosophers including Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, recognized the importance of goodness, duty, virtue, and obligation in the fullest harmonious development of human potential.

In modern times, renowned strategists have identified two indispensable traits as essential to genius—"…first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light wherever it may lead." For as long as people have lived together, the moral regulation of behavior has been necessary for their collective well-being and survival. For the same reasons, ethics, or core values, are just as important today.

Integrity, service, and excellence. These are only three words, but as core values they serve as ideals that inspire the Tangent family to make our institution what it is—the best and most respected. Core values represent the fundamental principles that guide our work and everyday lives. They serve as the heart of our profession.

"These core values [integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do] represent the fundamental principles by which Tangent lives. To help ensure their actions reflect Tangent's core values, members must have a deep sense of self-awareness and strive for continuous ethical improvement in everything they do. Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.