You're used to seeing values listed on waiting-room walls. Communication, integrity, excellence, and respect. Those were actually Enron's values.

John Collison’s quote cleverly points out the often superficial nature of corporate values that are displayed prominently in companies, particularly in waiting rooms or office spaces. These values—such as communication, integrity, excellence, and respect—are typically seen as ideals that companies want to portray. However, Collison highlights a stark contrast by revealing that these same values were also advertised by Enron, a company infamous for its corporate scandal and unethical practices.

The quote suggests that while these values may sound noble and aspirational on paper, they can be easily exploited or hollowed out if they are not genuinely integrated into a company’s culture. Enron is used as an example of a company that outwardly promoted these ideals, yet its actions and eventual collapse showed a complete disregard for them. This highlights the importance of aligning corporate values with real-world practices rather than just using them for appearances.

Collison’s reference to Enron serves as a critique of how companies can mislead the public and their employees by presenting a facade of ethical standards. The disconnect between what is proclaimed and what is practiced can often lead to disastrous consequences, as seen with Enron’s downfall. The quote is a reminder that values should be lived and practiced consistently, not just listed for show.

In essence, the origin of the quote lies in Collison's observation of the disconnect between corporate rhetoric and reality. It encourages us to be cautious about trusting the values displayed by companies, urging us to look deeper into how they operate and whether they truly uphold the principles they claim to embrace.