There’s a big blue sign on the wall here at Babcox Media. It reads, “The Way We Do Things Around Here” and lists how Babcox Media employees are expected to behave and what they’re supposed to do. It used to be called something much more official, but a consultant who came in suggested we nix the stern corporate title and call it what it is: The Way We Do Things Around Here.
A few of the things listed include:
- Take notes. Even if you know the material being presented, do not assume you will remember the important details of what was said.
- Over-deliver on your promises. If you say you will do it, do it and more. No exceptions. Preparation, organization and follow-up determine most
successes. - Quality. We make every effort to ensure everything that goes out our door is the highest possible quality.
- Listen. When you listen, you learn. It helps you better understand others’ needs and expectations, whether they are customers, readers or co-workers.
It never used to be on the wall either but was available on our corporate server to existing employees and passed out to all new employees. Now, it’s in full view of everyone and a daily reminder of what a Babcox Media employee is supposed to be.
Do you have a “The Way We Do Things Around Here” list? Is it hanging in your shop? Unless you set expectations, how are your employees supposed to know what to do and how to act? You may have told them at one point or another, but spelling it out on paper and putting it on the wall is much more effective. Try it. You might be surprised at how your company culture changes.
