Aligning Values for Success: The Secret to Achieving Our Highest Potential at CNC Industries

By Lagan Gill, Chief of Strategy and People

Last summer we embarked on our first Employee Engagement Survey. We discovered from the results that our employees, particularly in the Machine Shop, were not feeling very enthusiastic. They felt there was a lack of communication, a divide between management and the shop floor, and a lack of recognition and feedback for the work they do – which of course is the core of our business…

The leadership team immediately began to brainstorm ideas and action steps to rectify the feedback that we had received, however, with every action we discussed, we realized that without some meaning behind the action, it would just be a one-off exercise with little traction.? We also agreed that we needed to begin a culture change process, and at the heart of that culture we need to be clear about our core values.

Historically, as a small family business, the family values infused naturally throughout the company, however, as the business has grown, the gap between the management team and the machine shop has grown from cracks to crevices. The business now has layers of management and supervision throughout and has been divided into different departments and functions.? Additionally, as the two founding partners retire and the next generation succeeds them, it was time to build from our history and define the Core Values that will drive the company into the future.

We identified our core values by considering individuals within the organization who felt like our backbone—those we couldn’t imagine working without, who were most integral and supportive to our success. Under each of their names, we listed the qualities that made these individuals indispensable. As we did this, clear similarities emerged.

These similarities represent the core values we have today:

1. Team Player

At CNC Industries, being a team player means more than just collaborating on projects. It signifies a deeper commitment to supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Our team players are the glue that holds our company together, ensuring that we work cohesively towards common goals. Their willingness to lend a hand and their dedication to collective success are what make CNC Industries a place where everyone can thrive.

2. Solution Focused

In our industry, challenges are inevitable. What sets CNC Industries apart is our unwavering focus on finding solutions. Our employees are encouraged to approach every problem with a proactive mindset, seeking innovative ways to overcome obstacles and deliver exceptional results. This core value drives us to continuously improve and adapt, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients and stakeholders.

3. Integrity and Heart

Integrity and heart are the cornerstones of our operations. We believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. This means being honest, transparent, and ethical in all our dealings. Our employees embody this value by showing empathy, respect, and genuine care for their colleagues, clients, and the community. It's this integrity and heart that build trust and long-lasting relationships, both within and outside the company.

4. Passionately Committed

Passionately committed employees are the driving force behind our success. Their dedication to their work and their unyielding passion for excellence inspire everyone around them. This value reflects our collective drive to push boundaries, pursue excellence, and achieve outstanding results. It's this passion and commitment that propels CNC Industries forward, making us leaders in our field.

Identifying our core values was just the beginning. The real challenge lay in embedding these values into the fabric of our daily operations. We began by clearly communicating our values to all employees through town halls and visual signs placed throughout our facilities. To bring these values to life, we hosted focus groups to gather employee insights on how these values were personified on the machine shop floor. The behaviors identified were then printed on magnets, which you can now find on machines, in lunchrooms, and at workstations. This approach made the values relevant and tangible, allowing employees to see examples of actions that support our core values in their specific roles.

We incorporated these values into our hiring process, performance reviews, and recognition programs to reinforce their importance at every stage. To bridge the gap between management and the shop floor, we established regular communication channels, including town hall meetings, team-building activities, and feedback sessions. Additionally, we introduced a recognition program to celebrate employees who exemplify our core values, ensuring that their contributions are acknowledged and appreciated.

Our core values extend beyond our Canadian operations. Our team in Vietnam has demonstrated remarkable alignment with our principles of being team players, solution-focused, having integrity and heart, and being passionately committed. This seamless integration has strengthened our global cohesion and reinforced our collective mission.

The implementation of our core values has had a profound impact on our organizational culture. Our subsequent Employee Engagement Surveys have scored significantly higher, indicating that our efforts have not only improved engagement but also overall satisfaction and morale. Employees across all locations, from Canada to Vietnam, feel more connected, valued, and motivated, which in turn has led to higher productivity and better business outcomes.

As we move forward, our commitment to these core values remains steadfast. They are not just words on a page but principles that guide our actions and decisions. We believe that by staying true to our values, we can continue to build a strong, cohesive, and thriving organization that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our employees, customers, and stakeholders.

At CNC Industries, our core values are the foundation of our success. They define who we are, how we work, and where we are headed. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their best. Together, we can build a future that is bright, innovative, and filled with endless possibilities.

By sharing our experience, we hope to inspire other business leaders to embark on their own journey of identifying and living their core values. It's a transformative process that not only strengthens the organization but also creates a positive and engaging work environment for all employees.