Our Guiding Principles

The following are philosophies formulated through years of experience in the business world. They guide our actions and our approach to working with partners and clients:

1. This (life) is not a dress rehearsal.

• Have fun at work - you spend most of your waking hours there.
• Compete fiercely and PLAY TO WIN.
• Family is more important than work; have balance.

2. No illusions: in companies, we work for Shareholders, at the pleasure of the Board. At the end of the day, the paramount, simple success measure of "The Game of Business" is the creation of wealth.

3. The "mirror test": Be a tough but fair critic of yourself. Always be able to look yourself in the mirror and honestly say, "I'm doing the best I know how, and I'm treating others the way I would want to be treated."

4. Seek out, as your professional colleagues, people who possess the following qualities:

• Unassailable honesty, integrity and trustworthiness
• A high level of intelligence and natural talent
• "Fire in the belly" - driven to compete and succeed
• A strong work ethic, but with a balanced personal life
• A good sense of humor and perspective
• A respect for their own health

5. "Servant leadership":

• Lead by example
• Build up those around you
• Empower people and encourage them; however...
• Don't waste time with fools, bureaucrats or game-players
• Delegate responsibility, while demanding accountability
• Businesses are not democracies; at the end of the day, Management must answer to the Board

6. Pick your battles. Keep everything in perspective.

7. Follow through on your swing: strive to achieve closure on everything you start.

8. Wear your ignorance on your sleeve (the easiest place from which to brush it off).

9. Business is done between people, not between companies or institutions.

10. The only good deals are "win-win" situations. The best partnerships occur when two complementary, best-of-breed partners each strive to "meet the other 70% of the way."

11. The best move is the perfect solution.....the next best move is to do the best you can, but move swiftly and decisively.....and the worst move is no action (form a committee, continue to study). (Translation: Seek the global optimum....settle for a local optimum.....and MOVE.....you can always correct course later.)

12. A company has a citizenship responsibility to its surrounding community; give something back.

If you’re interested in learning more, contact CompanyCrafters here.