This month, we will explore Groov-Pin’s second company value, Respect All People. Our company values are interconnected so each principle can be practiced in tandem with the others. Respect plays a large role in developing solid teamwork, the first value we discussed last month.
Core values are important because they provide company leaders, employees, vendors, and customers with an idea of what a company is about. When we set out to redefine our company values in 2017, our goal was to align our work, company values, and personal values.
Before the refresh, we had a loose set of values that informed our work, but for the second time around, we wanted our employees directly involved in the process of creating and defining our core company values. We created a survey that was completed by employees in all departments. The survey gave them the opportunity to vote on 10 potential values and allowed them to express any opinions or suggestions.
We wanted these new values to serve as a daily reminder of our company’s identity and goals for our entire team. Once we had identified the new values, we had banners made to display in each facility to motivate employees. Employees use these values to inform how they interact with each other and how they approach their responsibilities each day on the manufacturing floor and in the office.
Respect All People is a value that extends through our company internally and out to our customers, suppliers, and our community. Read on to learn what a few of our employees had to say about what Respect All People means to them and how they see this value practiced at Groov-Pin.
Karen Fitzgerald, Customer Service
“Respect is an important value in general. Everyone needs to be heard; they need to be treated respectfully, personally and professionally. As customer service, it means really listening to what the customer wants. You have to advocate for the customer and step back from the problem. We have to make sure they’re heard while keeping our personal thoughts on the side because we often become the voice for the customer.”
Brian Vaught, Engineering
“There is no one person that makes our company able to do what we do. It takes everyone involved in the process from when the raw material arrives at the dock until the finished goods are shipped out of the other end of the building. Without mutual respect for all, that can never happen.”
Nancy Ziemba, Customer Service
“To me, ‘Respect All People’ means listening and doing my best to understand the concerns of both customers and coworkers. I try to be polite and kind and do my best to help resolve any issues that come up each day.”
Chris Swarm, Sales
“‘Respect All People’ means trying to understand someone’s situation, being considerate of their time, and making sure you listen to their point of view or needs. You have to understand the value that someone brings to their position.”