The Stratus ip Way – Simplified

Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing in every action you take and 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.

Seek out and take advantage of every opportunity to gain more knowledge, increase your skills, and become a greater expert. Be resourceful about learning and sharing best practices.

Regularly evaluate the way you 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.

Have a passion for what we do and be fully engaged. Make the most of each day by approaching every task with energy, focus, purpose, and enthusiasm. Work with a sense of urgency to get things done.

What got us here is not the same as what will get us to the next level. Get outside your comfort zone, rather than stubbornly hanging on to old ways of doing things. Be excited by the possibilities that change and growth bring. Be flexible.

Every conversation, phone call, e-mail, letter, and even voicemail sets a tone and creates an impression. Pay attention to every interaction and be sure you’re setting a tone that’s friendly, warm, and helpful.

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.

Own and protect your work-life balance. Know and communicate boundaries and when you need to take a break to refresh and recharge. To give your best, you must be at your best. Be a steward of our most valuable resource: YOU!

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. Be the change you want to see.

Recognize people doing things right, rather then pointing out when they do things wrong. Regularly extend meaningful acknowledgment and appreciation — in all directions throughout our organization.

Listening is more than simply “not speaking.” Give others your undivided attention. Be present and engaged. Minimize the 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.

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 completion.

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.

While our passion for excellence is real, remember that the world has bigger problems than the daily challenges that make up our work.
 
Stuff happens. Keep perspective. Don’t take things personally or take yourself too seriously. Laugh every day.

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.

In all situations, do what’s best for the client, even if it’s to our own short-term detriment.
 
Put their needs ahead of our own. There’s no greater way to build a reputation than to steadfastly do what’s right for others. Every day.

Take personal responsibility for making things happen. It’s never someone else’s job or someone else’s fault. Be resourceful and show initiative.
 
If you see it, own it, and make sure it gets done. Don’t make
excuses.

With appropriate respect for confidentiality, we share information freely throughout our organization.

The more people know, the better we can collaborate. Learn to ask yourself, “Who else needs to know this?”

Get to know your clients and coworkers 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 more successfully work through difficult issues and challenging times.

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 ambassador for the company.

You have the power to choose your attitude.
 
Choose to be joyful, optimistic, and enthusiastic. See the good in others. Your attitude is contagious. Spread optimism and positive energy.

Show people you care about them as individuals and not just as transactions. Pay attention to the things that make people unique. Use handwritten notes, personal cards, and timely phone calls to acknowledge their significance.

Demonstrate a passion for excellence and take pride in the quality of everything you touch and everything you do. Have a healthy dislike for mediocrity. Good is not good enough. Always ask yourself, “Is this my best work?”

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, and meetings.
 
If a commitment can’t be fulfilled, notify others early and agree on a new deliverable to be honored.

Create clarity and avoid misunderstandings by discussing expectations upfront.
 
Set expectations for others and ask when you’re not clear on what they expect of you. End all meetings with clarity about action items, responsibilities, and due dates.

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.

While effort is important, people 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.

It’s all about the experience. With every experience, do the little things, as well as the big things, that surprise people. Make every interaction stand out for its helpfulness.
 
Create the “WOW” factor that turns
customers into raving fans. This includes both internal and external customers.

Understand your customers’ world. Know their challenges and frustrations. See the world from their perspective. The better you understand them, the more effectively you can anticipate and meet their needs.

Know your audience. Write and speak in a way that they can understand. Avoid using internal lingo, acronyms, and industry jargon. Use the simplest possible explanations.

Be organized and plan your work for
maximum efficiency. Have all the tools necessary before starting your work. Look ahead and be thoughtful about your schedule. Have a game plan for your calls, your tasks, and your workday. Know the priorities and work on them first.