Our First Core Value: Be Human

At Stoic ProjectWorks, we believe that how we work matters just as much as what we deliver. That’s why we’ve defined a set of Core Values to guide the way we work. These values aren’t just pithy, throw-away jargon; they’re working principles rooted in experience. They help us navigate uncertainty, collaborate more effectively, and build lasting partnerships. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing a bit about each one, what they mean to Stoic ProjectWorks, and how each value shapes the way we operate.

Let’s start with the key value that drives everything else:

𝐁𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧

In a world of deadlines, it’s easy to forget that work is, at its core, a human endeavor. Behind every Gantt chart, there’s a teammate trying to keep up without missing dinner with their family. Behind every instance of scope creep, there’s a stakeholder trying to do the right thing for the customer. Behind every tough conversation, there’s a person who just wants to be heard.

Being human means:
• leading with empathy, even under pressure.
• making space for real conversations, not just check-ins.
• recognizing that clarity is a kindness.

And just as importantly, 𝐁𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 means actively rejecting toxic behavior, whether it shows up as bullying, gaslighting, or chronic burnout disguised as “high standards.”

We believe you can set a high bar without breaking people. You can build rigor without sacrificing respect. You can lead without ego.

This value shows up in how we manage projects, how we interact with co-workers, and how we respond when things go sideways (because they always do at some point).

Being human isn’t soft. It’s not weak. It’s strength.

So, no matter what project we’re working on or who we’re working with, we always start here:

𝐁𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧. Everything else builds from that.

07.16.2025