Values

When you explore employment options, it's important to find out what a company values. Will your values coincide with ours? Do the company's values align with your career goals? In 2003, IBM employees worldwide jammed online over a period of 72 hours. Collectively, we defined our guiding beliefs for how we relate to each other, to our clients, our partners and our stakeholders. As a company, we value:

	Dedication to every client's success
	Innovation that matters — for our company and for the world
	Trust and personal responsibility in all relationships

These shared values influence how we make decisions and work together, setting the stage for what employees — and the world — can expect from IBMers.

Valuing our people and their development
The expertise of our workforce is as critical to our success as the effectiveness of our technology. We invest more than U.S.$750 million annually to help make sure that our employees have leading-edge skills and ongoing development opportunities. In 2004, IBM's learning programs ranked number one in Training Magazine's 2004 Training Top 100, an annual ranking of companies that understand, embrace and use training to achieve real business results, support corporate values and enhance the work lives of employees.

"People development is about enabling the capability of our employees, managers and teams to drive business performance," says Randy MacDonald, IBM senior vice president of Human Resources. "It focuses on providing our workforce with the tools, resources and guidance needed to broaden our knowledge base and develop skills most valued by our industry. It also allows employees the opportunity for career progression."

Valuing peak performance
We've identified the core competencies that provide the foundation for an employee's professional growth at IBM. These foundational competencies establish a common standard of excellence across IBM for all employees.

The IBM Foundational Competencies are:

	Adaptability
	Client Focus
	Taking Ownership
	Communication
	Drive to Achieve
	Teamwork & Collaboration
	Creative Problem Solving
	Passion for the Business
	Trustworthiness

IBM's commitment to people development sets us apart from other employers. From Web applications to mentors to global e-learning to classroom training, IBM's learning environment enables you to take charge of your skills and knowledge from day one, and empowers you to expand your expertise as you grow throughout your career.