Culture eats Strategy for Breakfast
I shared this with my awesome staff this morning....
I came across an interesting LinkedIn post this morning on company values. It struck a chord with me, and thought I'd share my own thoughts with you.
There are certain non-negotiables in every organization. They’re called our values, and ours are becoming deeply entrenched. They guide how we run this business, how we interact with one another and how we treat our clients. Care, Solve, Grow and Enjoy.
1) Values trump value
When you are advising a client on what service to take, ALWAYS do what's best for the client. Even if it means that they take a less expensive service, and we lose out on some extra profit and you miss out on some commission. CARE means we act in the best interests of the client.
2) The customer is not always right
99% of the time, they are (even when we know they're wrong!). But now and again, a client is so rude and obnoxious (or unethical) that it conflicts with ENJOY. No-one in this company has to put up with bad behaviour, especially from a client. If they raise their voice, swear at you, or ask us to do something unethical, recommend to that client that they take their custom somewhere else.
3) You get what you measure
We get the behaviour we measure and reward. That is why we have put engagement with our four company values at the centre of the Performance Appraisal. They're measured and scored, and we provide feedback to you on how we think these can be improved. Your bonus is a reflection of how you have engaged with those values.
4) Value outlives profit and Values drive value
It's easy to squeeze an extra bit of profit or commission. But it takes courage to do what is right. We're clear how we want to treat you and how we want you to treat our clients. And when we do that, when we live our values - especially when it’s hard and inconvenient - we build loyalty in our people and loyalty from our clients.
In the long run, we'll win. As Warren Buffet says: "Run a business like you'll own it for 100 years".
I'm proud of our values, and proud of how we live them. It's at the heart of building a GREAT company.
Regards,
Reg
COO at CurrencyTransfer | #FxPlew ????
3 年That is a nice reminder of what you’ve built at Sable, Reg. I recognised all the elements of that value proposition from my time with you and I’m sure I’m not the only member of the Sable alumni to keep them with me. Bravo!
People Strategy // Tech // Startup // Scale // Global Organisation // Remote // Advisor
3 年Awesome post Reg
Client Services Director | Corporate Immigration Advisor | Helping UK businesses navigate the complex UK Immigration regime and compliance
3 年Great reminder Reg Bamford and I think any Sable employee, new or old, junior or senior, knows and understands how important these values become to all of us that are lucky enough to join the Sable International family. As a long standing staff member I can attest that it has been amazing watching these values being applied from the top, especially so during the last year which has been particularly hard for many small businesses. #Greatcompanyculture
A Living Medical Miracle / Executive Mentor / Speaker - A place where leaders are safe to be vulnerable, to be themselves without the fear of being judged/criticised/exposed. Learn to live life REAL and be successful.
3 年Hi Reg Bamford this is a good read. Too often companies have these values on paper and unfortunately on paper only. But I can certainly say with confidence it is being lived and experienced where you are leading ??
Client Relationship Manager @ Allan Hall HR | ND Marketing
3 年Always the #wiseone ????