Getting better at getting better is what Rise With Drew is all about.
Monday through Thursday, we explore ideas from authors, thought leaders, and exemplary organizations. On Friday, I share something about myself or what we at PCI are doing on our quest to earning a spot on Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.
1: Back in 1999, at PCI, we put forward our long-term vision: One day, we would earn a spot on Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Workplaces in the U.S.
Twenty-three years later, we achieved this long-term vision when earlier this month, Fortune named us the #55 Best Medium Workplace in the U.S.
2: When people learn that our business strategy is to be a great place to work, they often say something like, “So, do you have ping pong tables in your office?”
Or, “Do you tap a keg on Friday afternoon and everyone stands around and has a few cold beverages?”
Or, “You must have an exotic health insurance plan, right?”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I like ping pong. I’ve been known to enjoy a few cold beverages. And I certainly understand the value and importance of a good health insurance program.
These are all perks. And perks are great. But perks have very little to do with being a great place to work. Why? Well, if your boss isn’t trustworthy, I don’t care how many beers you drink on Friday afternoon, that’s still not going to be a great place to work.
If a company doesn’t act with integrity, or doesn’t treat its clients well, or doesn’t take pride in delivering a valuable product or service, it is highly unlikely to be a great place to work.
3: So, if perks don’t make a great place to work, what does? Is there a secret formula?
Well, it’s not exactly a secret. But there is a formula.
Great places to work all celebrate the meaning in their work. That’s purpose.
Great places to work all take action and make decisions according to an agreed-upon set of principles. That’s values.
And, great places to work all have a shared picture of the future they are working to realize. That’s vision.
Purpose + Values + Vision (practiced consistently over time) = Great Place to Work.
More next week!
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Reflection: Why do purpose, values, and vision create a great place to work?
Action: Discuss with my team or a colleague.
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