Fundamentals

Know and practice the safety procedures for your job. Watch out for the safety of your teammates as well, for we're all part of the Unified family. Never take shortcuts that compromise your safety or that of your teammates. Keep your work area neat and organized to enhance safety.

Be willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the job . . . plus a little bit more. Whether it's starting early, staying late, or doing something that's not in your job description, it's the extra mile that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.

You have the power to choose your attitude. Choose to be upbeat, optimistic, and enthusiastic. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Your attitude is contagious. Spread optimism and positive energy.

Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing in every action you take and in every decision you make, especially when no one's looking. Always tell the truth, no matter the consequences. If you make a mistake, own up to it, apologize, and make it right.

Take personal responsibility for making things happen. Respond to every situation by looking for how we can do it, rather than explaining why it can't be done. Be resourceful and show initiative. Don't make excuses or wait for others to solve the problem. See issues through to their completion.

Respond to questions and concerns quickly, whether it's in person, on the phone, or by e-mail. This includes simply acknowledging that we got the question and we're "on it," as well as keeping those involved continuously updated on the status of outstanding issues.

Do what you say you're going to do when you say you're going to do it. This includes being on time for all phone calls, appointments, meetings, and promises. If a commitment can't be fulfilled, notify others early and agree on a new deliverable to be honored.

The best way to influence others is through your own example. Walk the talk. Take responsibility, both formally and informally, to coach, guide, teach, and mentor others. Share information and work together. Collaborate internally and with our customers and partners to find better solutions.

Listening is more than simply "not speaking." Give others your undivided attention. Be present and engaged. Minimize distractions and let go of the need to agree or disagree. Suspend your judgment and be curious to know more, rather than jumping to conclusions. Above all, listen to understand.

Speak honestly in a way that helps to make progress. Say what you mean, and be willing to ask questions, share ideas, or raise issues that may cause conflict when it's necessary for team success. Be courageous enough to say what needs to be said. Address issues directly with those who are involved or affected.

Work from the assumption that people are good, fair, and honest, and that the intent behind their actions is positive. Set aside your own judgments and preconceived notions. Give people the benefit of the doubt.

Solve problems before they happen by anticipating future issues, planning for contingencies, and addressing them in advance. Work with appr opriate lead times. Preventing issues is always better than fixing them. Have a "what if" plan.

What got us here isn't the same as what will get us to the next level. Get outside your comfort zone, instead of hanging on to old ways of doing things. Be excited by the possibilities that change and growth bring. Be flexible and adaptable.

Regularly evaluate the way you/we work to find ways to improve. Don't be satisfied with the status quo. "Because we've always done it that way" is not a reason. Guard against complacency. Find ways to get things done better, faster, and more efficiently.

Recognizing people doing things right is better and more effective than pointing out when they do things wrong. Regularly extend meaningful acknowledgment and appreciation — in all directions throughout our organization.

Get to know your customers and co-workers on a more personal level. Talk more and e-mail less. Understand what makes others tick and what's important to them. Strong relationships enable us to work through difficult issues and challenging times more successfully.

Make decisions by asking yourself, "What would I do if this were my company? What would I do if this were my own money? Will this help the company succeed?"

Our relationships go deeper than simply being teammates at work. We genuinely care for and about each other. Whether it's a kind word during a tough stretch, a friendly smile each morning, or a helping hand in stressful times, show your compassion.

Be open to learning from others, no matter what role they have, and regardless of their age, background, experience, or tenure with our company. We make better decisions when we consider multiple perspectives.

We're all responsible for, and benefit from, our company's image and reputation. Consider how your actions affect our collective reputation and be a proud representative of our team and the company.

While effort is important, our customers and our team expect results. Follow-up on everything and take responsibility to ensure that tasks get completed. Set high goals, use measurements to track your progress, and hold yourself accountable for achieving those results.

Be willing to do the mundane and ordinary things necessary to get the job done. Nothing is beneath any of us. If you see it, do it.

Look for opportunities to reduce or eliminate wasted time, money, materials, and effort. Our job is to do it right and to do it fast, without sacrificing competitiveness, quality, or safety.