Letter on the Third — February 2025
Dear Datamax Family,
Author and management consultant Peter Drucker once said: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” You know what? I 100% agree with that statement. Even the best strategic plan on earth will likely fail if the culture doesn’t support it. Strategy is only as good as people who do (or don’t) believe in it.
That’s why I say this often: Culture Trumps Everything. In a year in which we are aiming to Thrive, it’s important to remember that - much like a sturdy tree – our culture sustains itself with deep roots and it adapts to every challenge it encounters. With a winning culture, we undoubtedly win.
A winning culture is written down.
People from outside of our company often talk about our Little Blue Book, which I think is exciting. It’s our way of putting down in ink our core belief systems so that we can refer to them when a difficult decision needs to be made or an unexpected situation arises. Think back to the pandemic five years ago: When we considered Datamax Philosophy #5 (To provide an environment in which employees have the opportunity to achieve a career path with stability), how could I start letting people go? That was a culture decision.
A winning culture welcomes feedback.
After meetings or events, you’ve surely noticed surveys that go out. These aren’t just a formality. The feedback we get challenges us to do better, to adapt, and to ultimately make decisions based on the good of the entire organization. We all have the right to disagree, and as leaders, we welcome the thought of being challenged. If you’ve got a good idea or a better way to do something, tell us about it!
A winning culture knows its ‘Why.’
Every department and individual employee has their own “why” they do what they do at Datamax. I like to point to our tagline (Relevant Technology, Raving Results) and our mission of Creating Raving Fans as to our collective “why?” We’re genuinely not satisfied with customers just being satisfied. And on that same note, if someone were to ask you, “You work at Datamax, right?” My hope is that you would respond with “Yes, they’re a great company!” Our commitment to our employees is the same as it is for our clients.
A winning culture starts with YOU.
American business executive Jack Welch once said, “No company, small or large, can win over the long run without energized employees who believe in the mission and understand how to achieve it.” Like a tree’s rings tell its ongoing story of growth and resilience, a company culture reflects its values and potential to thrive. Do you know your “Why?” Do you believe in and reflect the core values of the Little Blue Book? Do you have constructive feedback on what we’re doing? Like any winning culture, we’re welcome to hearing it.
The Best is Yet to Be.
