In an article I wrote a while back called Corporate Culture Counts, I briefly wrote about the J.M. Smucker Company. I believe this company is an excellent role model to follow for teach-ing anyone how to successfully run a business today. Founded in 1897, this company now employs over 4,800 employees and is doing over $4.7 billion in sales. Tim and Richard Smucker are the Co-CEOs for the J.M. Smucker Company and they believe they serve 6 constituents:
“the consumer, the retailer, our employees, our suppliers, our communities, and our shareholders. We believe if we take care of the first five, the sixth will automatically be taken care of.”
They live and work by the creed, You Will Reap What You Sow. Here are their rules for achieving success in business:
- Let the Golden Rule guide every decision.
- Don’t have secret strategies – make sure everyone knows the strategy and knows their role.
- Have a culture that promises people a better tomorrow based on their good work.
- Don’t be content; you’re responsible for making things better.
- Doubt your own infallibility.
- Have faith. Believe in a higher force.
- Don’t do what you know only for material rewards – be called to your life’s work and have a purpose.
- Laugh and have a sense of humor.
In a world where corrupt deception abounds, it is refreshing to have such a prominent company set a great example of just the opposite. But their written words are only a guide to follow; it is your leadership, your example, your culture that will determine your success.
Guest article provided by:
"Robert Stevenson is a highly sought after, internationally know speaker. He is the author of the best-selling books "How to Soar Like An Eagle in a World Full of Turkeys" and "52 Essential Habits For Success." Robert is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and is a former All-American Ath-lete. He started his first business at 24 and has owned several companies. Robert has international sales experience dealing in over 20 countries and his client list reads like a Who's Who in Business. He has shared the podium with such renowned names as General Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf, Former President George H.W. Bush, Anthony Robbins and Steven Covey. www.robertstevenson.org"