How can you tell apart real company values from more superficial mantras or slogans?

There is one objective mark for values: they fight and they win, when contesting on scarce resources of any type.

A real company value wins fights against other interests when competing on budget, resource allocation, and other cost-bearing priorities.

If it does not fight – it’s not a value but a preference.

If it does not win – it’s not a value but a show.