Being “aquatic” is the way forward. I’m certainly not talking about taking a plunge into the Nigg Bay, but rather some of the principles companies should follow to succeed.
As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, it is crucial to keep things simple in business. Having a tangible culture is important to any successful business and the principles which we operate on are easily expressed and understood. Ambition, Quality, Teamwork, Integrity and Challenge form the bedrock of our culture – AQuaTIC.
Ambition – Being the best one can
A strategy for growth should be based on achieving long-term results for existing clients, while also improving the distribution and penetration of products among new client markets.
To achieve this, Aberdeen relies on attracting and retaining bright, motivated individuals focused on working diligently, efficiently and with integrity.
We look to foster a workforce that is mindful of its responsibilities to one another and of our wider corporate responsibilities as a firm, encompassing our clients, shareholders, service providers and the communities in which we are located.
Quality – Adding value everywhere
Long-term success depends on whether a business can deliver added value to customers, in terms of the goods and services it provides.
This value primarily comes down to the quality of the product, but also incorporates client service, after sale care and administration.
That’s why it is important to focus on what you’re good at rather overstretching and trying to provide a wide range of goods and services.
At Aberdeen, we think carefully before entering new markets and launching new products. We try to manage growth at a rate that does not compromise the standards our clients expect of us.
Teamwork – Pooling collective talent
Since Aberdeen’s beginning, we have valued a culture of openness, mutual dependency and collective purpose.
We strongly believe that the combination of experienced hands and fresh minds invigorates our thinking and can lead to better business decisions being made.
Integrity – Doing the right thing
This is perhaps obvious but is sadly lacking in some firms.
Everyone within a company should work to the best of their ability in the interests of customers, shareholders and other stakeholders.
It is important to strive to never sacrifice long-term good for short-term gain, and seek to set high standards of good practice.
Of course conflicts of interest can arise – you have to manage them by being transparent, open and making clear where we believe a course of action is unwise or unethical.
Challenge – Bringing a fresh perspective
Successful businesses have inquisitive managers and staff that do not take things at face value or go with the flow.
I encourage everyone to think afresh and not to do something just because “that’s the way it has always been done”. If you want answers then you need to ask questions.
These principles are by no means prescriptive and each company is of course different. However, they may provide a good starting point when firms are looking at the values they should encourage and the culture they should foster.
Power of the Media
It would be remiss of me not to mention the fantastic campaign this newspaper has undertaken to encourage local firms to employ young people.
The Press and Journal’s “Apprentice 100” campaign has been a huge success and the businesses and young people involved should be commended. It’s been gratifying to see organisations of all sizes getting involved from Aberdeen City Council to Johnstons of Elgin.
Through this vibrant campaign at least 100 young people will have the opportunity to earn while they learn and become the workforce of the future.
Although perhaps the title ‘Apprentice 100’ is a misnomer?
What this campaign has captured is potential. It’s helping to shape the workforce of the future. We shouldn’t forget that today’s P&J apprentices are tomorrow’s skilled textile operators, IT engineers, panel beaters, marketing executives and air conditioning technicians.
It’s an example of the press, businesses and young people all demonstrating ambition, quality, teamwork, integrity and challenge.