We're passionate about showing appreciation for our team members. That's why we use titles a little differently than other organizations. Our terminology is unique and some changes are small, but the meaning behind them is important to understand. It's part of our culture.

We don't have managers; we have team leaders. You won't find any employees here; we are all team members. There isn't a Human Resources Department; we have a People Team.

The difference here is about focus -- focus, and having a group of people responsible for helping steward our culture.

Our focus is people. Helping them. Serving them. Working alongside them. Caring for them. It's all about People, plain and simple -- not human resources. 

Here are some examples of how we think and speak:

We use the word "Team Member" instead of "Employee" because employee suggests the idea of ownership -- a subordinate being told what to do. A team member, on the other hand, is a part of a larger team and culture. Like a puzzle, if you don't have all the pieces, you can't complete the whole picture. Which piece are you?

Likewise, a "Manager" is a person managing a process. A "Leader" is more of a coach, a counselor, someone to show how something can or should be done. Managers make sure things get done. Leaders help people become successful while getting things done.

Growth & Development: This is a time for both the team member and team leader to talk and to help the team member identify his/her strengths, struggles and plans for the future. While a traditional performance review provides feedback only from someone’s leader, this plan really allows team members to address their own strengths, struggles and opportunities in a collaborative conversation.

Our terminology is also a symbol of our culture. We really do ‘walk the talk!’ Our culture is intentional, and we believe that what you say has a significant impact.