The door's open, come on in!
In the wee hours of the morning on Saturday of Workshop, Michael Harris and I were bantering about workshop and ETC culture. Michael has always been one of the attendees whom I really look forward to seeing. He’s always good for a laugh, a snippet of Canadian wisdom, or occasionally a bit of third-party insight in regards to ETC.
On this particular occasion, Michael took the opportunity to mention to me how newcomers to Workshop are welcomed into the fold and therefore get a glimpse of what it truly means to be a part of the ETC family. I suppose the welcoming nature of some of the events, the lightheartedness of the newsletters and, of course, the daily videos, all of these obviously help. But it goes further than that. There’s something ingrained in the company’s culture and it really becomes clear within the context of Michael’s story.
Apparently a new employee with one of our dealers found herself in a social circle with both Michael (whom she knew) and Joe DiNardo, (whom she had only heard of). After a few moments of uncertainty and, I imagine, anxiety, she quietly asked Michael if she was allowed to “talk” to Joe DiNardo. She explained that in her previous place of employ, such mingling would have been far above her station and was therefore ill-advised.
Naturally, Michael met this query with surprise, if not disbelief. I mean, we’re talking about Joe DiNardo. A.K.A. DiNardo, Joey, Joey D., Joey the Hammer, Joey Bag-of-Donuts (don’t EVER call him that), Donuts, or more affectionately, Mr. Satchel-of-Pastries. Who on Earth would hesitate to speak to HIM?! Least of all, one of his customers! Is there a more friendly, more lovable, more cuddly person to have as your regional? Okay, okay, Nicky Pencils is a close second, but I digress.
The point is, this person, this new dealer-employee, this genuine, cautious, well-intentioned acolyte made an assumption based on a stereotype that fits the vast majority of companies out there. A Regional Sales Manager, or any upper-echelon manager for that matter, exists on a plane of existence that you can only dream of and you consort with them at the risk of your own peril.
Well, not at ETC.
If there’s one thing that ETC seems to pride itself on, it’s approachability. Both internally and externally. The lines are not drawn between those in charge and those not. Nor between customer and insider. Welcoming you into the fold, regardless of your station, experience level, or knowledge, is part of who we strive to be. And it shows.
I like that…a lot.
Not a word was spoke between us there was little risk involved
Everything up to that point had been left unresolved
Try imagining a place where it's always safe and warm
"Come in" she said
"I'll give you shelter from the storm".
-Bob Dylan