Leadership is fundamental to Terakeet’s identity. We consistently strive to be pioneers in business innovation, partnership, and employment.
Our team established three leadership principles to further our commitment to leadership and define our philosophy. They are designed to be approachable for all employees — executives, managers, and individual contributors alike.
Why did we create leadership principles?
Leadership principles establish what’s important to our company culture and our people, and guide our decisions accordingly. They help shape our environment and set expectations for how we interact with each other, our clients, and those outside our organization.
When put into practice they can be personally transformative while also providing a framework to consider company-wide challenges. Our new leadership principles were chosen because they reflect our culture at its best — and when widely adopted, they become our behavioral norms.
Terakeet’s three leadership principles
The following principles were purposely crafted after conversation and input from various Terakeet team members and leaders. We asked some of our executives to share their perspectives on each principle and how it impacts Terakeet’s work for customers and employees.
- Take Ownership
Taking ownership is about taking direct responsibility and initiative — whether that be solving problems, learning from mistakes, or anticipating our long-term future. To achieve success, organizations need leaders who are willing to take ownership of the wins and the setbacks.
“To me ‘take ownership’ is a combination of being willing to roll up your sleeves and do things on behalf of the company and your team that demonstrates your skills and unique ability to impact outcomes,” said CEO & Co-Founder Mac Cummings when asked what about his perspective on this principle.
“It also means taking responsibility for something that may or may not work out perfectly, because we all have learned that it is better to try and fail temporarily than not to try at all. Critics are everywhere, but to be a ‘Keeter is to be a doer.”
Mac has long shared how his leadership philosophy hinges on recognizing the bad alongside the good, and not being afraid to discuss the challenging parts of your story in order to grow.
“Ownership is the swiftest route to leadership, for it demands accountability and courage,” said Pat Danial, Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder, about what taking ownership means from his point of view.
“When one takes ownership and leads by example, their sense of purpose and responsibility becomes contagious, inspiring others to take on challenges and break down further barriers to opportunity.”
- Assume Positive Intent
Assuming positive intent means choosing to believe those we interact with inside and outside of Terakeet have our best interest at heart and good intentions overall. It also means assuming those around us are doing their best with what they have.
It can be easy to misunderstand each other and let emotions and frustration cloud judgment. But most people do not intentionally want to cause harm, and assuming bad intent may create a toxic environment.
This principle is designed to breed kindness, compassion, and teamwork across the organization. Terakeet’s Chief People Officer, Lynn Fraas, says this principle is especially crucial in a remote-first environment.
“At Terakeet, we strive to assume positive intent in our interactions with others. On the surface, this sounds easy. In practice, it is one of our most challenging values,” said Lynn.
“Human nature ensures assuming positive intent is difficult to consistently achieve. However, it is critical to our success in a remote-first environment where in-person interactions are limited. It allows us to value conflicting opinions as we strive to drive superior outcomes for our customers, our teams, and our company.”
- Do The Right Thing
As Terakeet employees, there’s nothing we prioritize higher than our values, including teamwork, partnership, and excellence. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity so we can be the best partner and employer possible. Every decision takes this principle into account.
Doing the right thing is about treating each other with respect and committing to a greater cause. When we commit to doing the right thing, we benefit our peers, our clients, and ourselves.
“Whether it’s a partnership with your colleague or your client, do the right thing is a principle that lays the necessary groundwork from which trust and success are built,” says Shannon Reedy, Chief Revenue Officer.
“To have the common understanding that, regardless of the situation, you commit to not taking shortcuts and leading with honesty and their best interest, is the only way Terakeet will continue to build meaningful relationships and high-integrity programs.”
These leadership principles are well-representative of who we are and what we care about. As Terakeet continues to grow and diversify as a business, these tenets will serve as a north star for employees.
