Geneca's Over-The-Top Performance: Creating Organizational Energy
Have you ever been part of an organization or team that continually spins its wheels? What about the one next door that seems to excel with every challenge put in front of them? Well it does not just happen.
That high performance organization or team out performs because there is an energy that permeates each individual. The best illustration can be seen in sports where one or a series of plays energizes players and fans alike. Everyone feeds off the other's energy and enthusiasm, often altering the game's outcome.
In business, similar principles can be found. Here's how one Chicago area firm unleashed the power of group energy and continues to excel in difficult economic times.
Geneca is a 12 year old software development firm that designs and develops custom software for a variety of industry segments. With 120 full-time and contract employees and virtually no turnover, Geneca has demonstrated impressive results; tripled their annual revenues over the past 4 years, maintained 98% client retention and generates 75% of its new business through referrals. It continues to be recognized as one of the fastest growing, best companies to work for in Illinois and for its exceptional workplace practices.
Geneca's primary success factor lies in its people and culture. Joel Basgall, President, says we try to be great at hiring and developing people. Our strategy on culture is grounded in a simple philosophy and culture that creates opportunities by creating value for others. We allow people to step up and create opportunities for their own growth and Geneca, so long as it is consistent with our vision. The kindling of ambitions we experience here is a really big deal.
The energy derived from Geneca's culture can be found at every level of the organization. The culture embraces an entrepreneurial spirit and encourages personal growth. Criteria for success and accountability for results are firmly imbedded throughout the organization, leaders walk the talk and employees seek those success factors for customers and each other.
As Geneca has grown, it uses a multi-level hiring process which looks at technical skills, attitude and cultural fit. Success factors are clear and understood through out the organization. Creativity and new ideas are not only encouraged but expected.
Value is maximized from all the skills staff members bring to the table, not just those they are hired for. Through Geneca U, technical and non-technical skills are continually developed. Courses are developed and conducted by internal staff, which is able to transcend theory to company specific application.
In this example, Geneca's results can be attributed to three fundamentals:
- Creating the environment. Geneca eliminates rules, practices and bureaucracy that inhibit new ideas. Its founders created an environment that is supportive and embraces collaboration, open communications and encourages learning and calculated risk-taking. All of which is reinforced through its hiring practices, on-boarding and company leadership.
- Clarity of Goals and Expectations. Clear organizational, individual and team success factors and accountability reinforce Geneca's foundation. The supportive environment encourages employees to be advocates for clients and each other - creating a triple win where clients, employees and the organization succeed.
- Build Momentum. Even the smallest of successes are celebrated and recognized. Further reinforcing a can do, supportive and energized environment.
Regardless of economic conditions or business size, the extent to which an organization continuously focus on establishing a culture and environment that generates positive energy will be a critical success factor going forward, and provide a powerful source of value, employee and customer loyalty and sustained organizational performance.
As Mark Hatas, Geneca's CEO, puts it ˇ§If there is a choice between growth and culture, culture wins. Without the culture, our company goes nowhere. You can hear more from Mark Hattas, Thursday, April 15 during the Chamber's Workplace Excellence lunchtime webinar on the benefits of a Multigenerational workforce.
About the Author
Gerald E. Carducci is the President of G. Carducci & Associates, an organizational consultancy that helps small and mid-sized businesses re-energize and grow through creation of a customer-centered enterprise. Jerry serves on the Chicagoland Chamberˇ¦s Workplace Excellence Committee as Vice-Chair and can be reached at jerry.carducci@carducciandassociates.com
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