When I was with Dietrich Metal Framing, Ed Ponko the former president came up with the following rules of engagement. They are a great guide to creating a winning culture in any enterprise.
They are:
1) Follow the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you)
2) Always look to improve quality in product and service. Add value to our customers’ business
3) Always do your best each day… and then do a bit more. Push yourself
4) Be beyond reproach with your deeds and actions
5) Take responsibility. Have a sense of urgency. Get things done… show results
6) Always set goals and work to attain them, otherwise they are just dreams
7) Accept change and take risks. If you’re not changing, you’re not leading the race
8) Nurture others so that they can replace you. Only then can you move forward
9) Foster teamwork, it achieves more than you can do individually
10) Be a good listener
11) Avoid/discourage trifling with gossip and rumor. No good ever comes of it. Seek and deal in truths.
12) Allow an argument/debate its due process. Bad decisions come from bad information. End with all on the same page but remember consensus on the decision is not required. This is when leaders have to lead and team players have to act like team players.
13) PLAY TO WIN!
For any reader in a leadership position, remember, you too have to embody these principles if you want them integrated into the culture of your organizations. I had witnessed an organization where, in my opinion, the shareholders refused to practice rules 1, 4, 9 and 12 while the president was trying to practice all 13. As a result, the efforts were only moderately successful in changing the culture and led to much conflict. This is why I caution anyone in a leadership position to assure that they are walking the talk.
I am in the process of becoming a significant shareholder and principle of Drexel Metals Corporation, I’m about to begin rolling out these rules of engagement. Fortunately, the other shareholders are 100% in support of these principles and already are walking the talk.
I can’t say that any one of these rules is more important than another, taken as a whole; they create a force multiplier that not just leads to success, but also satisfaction in being a member of this kind of team and motivation to keep moving despite obstacles and challenges.
