The secret of fortune is joy in our hands. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
What if today, right now, no jokes at all, you were actually in charge, the boss, the Head Honcho. Write the “call to arms” note you’re sending to everyone (staff, customers, suppliers, Board) charting the path ahead for the next 12 months and the next 5 years. Now take this manifesto, print it out somewhere you can see, preferably in big letters you can read from your chair.
You’re just written your own job description. You know what you have to do. Go!
(bonus: send it to the CEO with the title “The things we absolutely have to get right – nothing else matters.”)
(Author: Sasha Dichter)
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We will do the work and do it well the first time.
We will emphasize quality over quantity. Good work takes time and we recognize that – and will accomodate for it.
Conscience is still important in business; we will not compromise ethics for the sake of a dollar bill.
We will deliver exceptional service, expertise, quality of work, and attention to detail. That’s what people are paying us for.
We will not stop at the bare minimum. We will push ourselves to do our best and when we fail, we’ll keep trying.
We will recognize that we are human. We will make mistakes – but we can learn from them.
We will not be satisfied with being mediocre. We will always look for ways to improve and get better at what we do.
We will think independently and support the good ideas of others. Our culture will be a culture of ideas.
We will encourage and inspire others to do their best work.
We will understand that the end does not always justify the means.
We will question and examine. We will test and experiment.
We will encourage creativity.
We will be a place where people will want to work. Where YOU will want to work.
We will share success with everyone.
We will stay committed to our mission.
We will recognize change and be responsive to it.
We will be proactive instead of reactive, like most companies seem to be.
We will distribute workload fairly. We will encourage growth, but not in a way that stifles creativity and quality.
We will treat each other well.
We will respect each other.
We will be part of the same team.
We will admit when we are wrong and do what it takes to make things right.
We will not limit ourselves by resigning to meet only the minimum standards.
We will emphasize intelligence, reasoning, and strong decision-making.
We will welcome unique thought and new perspectives.
We will be accepting and responsive of feedback.
We will not be imprisoned by shareholders.
We will do great things – together.
We will support the achievement of dreams.
We will lead change.
We will do good in the world.
We will help people.
We will help ourselves.
And most of all, we will be who we are.
