In 2007 Swift & Staley embraced the principles of “Good To Great” (G2G) to enhance the effectiveness of continuous improvement in its Quality Program. The dividends have been higher quality, lower costs, and improved efficiencies.  In his book titled Good to Great,  Jim Collins (www.jimcollins.com) describes how eleven diverse companies made the leap from good to great. These eleven companies began as good companies and because of disciplined people, disciplined thoughts, and disciplined actions, achieved a sustainable greatness that has endured where other companies stalled in the middle of the road or failed completely.

Like these eleven great companies, Swift & Staley is not satisfied with being just a good company. Therefore, with the help of the G2G  management tools, Swift & Staley has begun its own journey from Good to Great. A G2G council has been established to gain insight and understanding about important issues facing the company. The council consists of seven employees selected from across the company with each bringing a different perspective to the process. The council seeks answers to three important questions:

• What can Swift & Staley be the best in the world at?
• What drives Swift & Staley’s economic engine?
• What is Swift & Staley deeply passionate about?

One of the early actions of the G2G Council was definition of our Core Values.

Safe Work Practices —SST’s primary focus is to maintain a safe place to work. Safety is never compromised for profit or performance. We accept personal responsibility for creating a safe working environment and consider the safety of our team, community, and environment as our top priority.

Customer Focus —SST goes to extraordinary lengths to satisfy our customers by exceeding their expectations on every job and contract. We focus on understanding and anticipating our customer’s goals, needs, and priorities. 

Employee Enhancement —SST respects individual differences, supports employee development, promotes career flexibility, and realistic freedoms. We believe open and honest communication demonstrates that SST cares about the well-being of their employees. 

Professional Leadership —SST adheres to high ethical and moral standards and takes pride in our work and reputation. We encourage one another to act as leaders, champion innovation and empower decision-making. 

Teamwork —SST places high value in the power of teamwork. We recognize the collective and collaborative creativity of all team members by utilizing their input and ideas.

Each employee of the team is committed to this process to enable the Swift & Staley Team to achieve G2G status.