The Way We Work

The Way We Work

Plan the Work and Work the Plan is about strategy and managing the future. Think through a plan of action; commit to a timeline that demonstrates the appropriate sense of urgency; document the plan; track progress; monitor results and, incorporate any lessons learned into future plans. Engage in activities such as "what if" scenarios. Plan in order to manage high standards of productivity and quality.

Seek and Accept Responsibility is about taking initiative, taking ownership and being accountable. Work outside silos or defined scopes of responsibility and be able to state "I made a mistake." Step up, and step out of comfort zones. Focus on solutions rather than problems.

Communicate Openly means more than just providing information. It's about listening to others, questioning and clarifying what we hear and respectfully challenging each other when disagreements, or an alternate view or solutions surface. It acknowledges a commitment to a spirit of openness and trust demonstrated by regular staff and employee meetings, sharing information freely, the willingness to state "I don't know," providing regular feedback and responding to inquiries with appropriate disclosure.

Work in Teams is about resourcefulness and synergy. Appreciate diversity -- by valuing the skills, knowledge and experience of others and appreciating that all functions make a corporate contribution. Recognize inter-dependence, that teamwork happens in cross-functional groups or within a work group.

Improve Continuously is about efficiency and effectiveness, basically doing things both faster and better. It requires asking "why?" as often as asking "how?". It demonstrates the company's commitment to assess, fix, improve and eliminate, to demonstrate a standard of excellence in all areas of the business. It's about recognition that individuals are life-long students who need to develop new skills, increase knowledge and vary experience to increase their value as employees.

Celebrate Success is paying attention to positive efforts and positive results. It includes positive feedback, instant recognition, celebrations, milestone achievements and award programs. Celebrations highlight new stories, new heroes and