From the beginning, AUSCO has been destined to be different from other companies. Different in how we treat our customers, different in how we work with each other, and different in the way we strive for greatness. We describe these differences in how we operate in the 30 AUSCO “Specifications” that have been the foundation for our unique culture.
1. DO WHAT’S BEST FOR THE CUSTOMER
It all starts and ends with the customer. In all situations, prioritize the customer’s needs, even if it means short-term sacrifices. Put their needs ahead of our short-term goals every day.
2. ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT
Assume that people are good, fair, and honest, with positive intentions behind their actions. They are likely working toward individual or team goals, which may sometimes conflict with company objectives. Set aside judgments and preconceived notions, giving others the benefit of the doubt.
3. EMBRACE DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS
Speak honestly to drive progress. Be direct, ask questions, share ideas, or raise issues that may cause conflict if necessary for team success. Address concerns directly with those involved or affected.
4. MAKE IT SAFE TO SPEAK UP
Create an environment where others feel safe to bring problems or dissenting opinions. Separate the idea or issue from the person, avoid defensiveness when receiving feedback, and be mindful of your impact when giving feedback. Foster psychological safety through trust and respect.
5. NEVER COMPROMISE ON QUALITY
Lives depend on our work. Take pride in the quality of everything you do. “Good enough” is not acceptable; strive for excellence in all tasks.
6. LISTEN GENEROUSLY
Listening goes beyond not speaking. Actively engage, give undivided attention, and minimize distractions. Suspend judgment, be curious, and focus on understanding the other person’s perspective.
7. BE A FANATIC ABOUT RESPONSE TIME
Respond quickly to questions and concerns, whether in person, by phone, or email. Acknowledge receipt of inquiries and provide continuous updates on outstanding issues.
8. BE COURAGEOUS AND SPEAK UP
Find your voice, even when it’s challenging to go against the flow. Objectively evaluate situations and don’t automatically accept the highest-paid person’s opinion.
9. HONOR COMMITMENTS
Do what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it. Be punctual for calls, appointments, and meetings. If a commitment cannot be met, notify others early and agree on a new deliverable.
10. PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS
Missing a single detail can have a significant impact. Be meticulous about accuracy and precision. Double-check your work, as excellence lies in the details.
11. FOLLOW THE PROCESS
Adhere to documented processes in the Quality System. If a process isn’t working, request help or propose improvements, but do not change processes unilaterally.
12. EMBRACE CHANGE AND GROWTH
Be open to new ways of doing things and step outside your comfort zone. Embrace the possibilities that change and growth bring, and remain flexible.
13. BE A LIFELONG LEARNER
Actively seek opportunities to gain knowledge, enhance skills, and become an expert. Be resourceful in learning and sharing best practices, both within and outside the company.
14. LEARN FROM EVERY MISTAKE
Focus on solutions, not blame. Identify lessons from mistakes, improve processes, and share learnings with others to prevent recurrence. Make every mistake a teaching moment.
15. DELIVER RESULTS
Effort is important, but results matter most. Take responsibility for completing tasks, overcome obstacles, set high goals, track progress, and hold yourself accountable.
16. SOLVE THE PROBLEM
Take initiative to make things happen. Focus on how to solve issues rather than why they can’t be solved. Be resourceful, resilient, and see issues through to completion.
17. LOOK AHEAD AND ANTICIPATE
Prevent problems by anticipating future issues, planning for contingencies, and addressing them proactively. Prevention is better than correction.
18. THINK TEAM FIRST
Prioritize the team over personal agendas. Break down silos, support teammates, and step into other roles when needed to ensure collective success.
19. TREAT EACH OTHER LIKE FAMILY
Build genuine relationships with colleagues, treating them like family. Care for and support each other, going the extra mile to foster a satisfying work environment.
20. COMMUNICATE TO BE UNDERSTOOD
Know your audience Ascertain your audience and communicate clearly, avoiding jargon, acronyms, or complex terms. Use simple explanations to ensure understanding.
21. GET CLEAR ON EXPECTATIONS
Discuss expectations upfront to avoid misunderstandings. Clarify action items, responsibilities, and deadlines at the end of meetings.
22. BE CURIOUS
Ask “What if?” and “Why not?” to drive innovation. Take intelligent risks and move beyond your comfort zone to achieve improvement and success.
23. SHARE THE WHY
Explain the bigger picture before detailing what or how. Understanding the reason behind actions enables others to actively participate in solutions.
24. MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON DATA
Base decisions primarily on facts and data, not emotions or opinions. Act objectively, like a scientist, to make informed choices.
25. CELEBRATE SUCCESS
Acknowledge and appreciate achievements regularly. Recognize the 90% accomplished and encourage progress toward the remaining 10%.
26. LAUGH TOGETHER
Maintain perspective and don’t take things personally. Find humor in daily challenges and laugh every day to foster a positive environment.
27. FOCUS ON OUTCOME OVER EGO
Prioritize outcomes over personal credit. Be open to others’ ideas and recognize that the best solutions may come from collaboration.
28. INSPIRE ACTION
Motivate yourself, teammates, customers, and suppliers to take action. Drive progress through initiative and build a better collective future.
29. STRIVE FOR GREATNESS
Pursue excellence relentlessly. Reject “good enough” and aim for greatness in everything you do, leaving a legacy of excellence.
30. SPEAK UP IN THE MEETING, NOT IN THE HALLWAY
Share your views during meetings, not afterward. Debate decisions openly, then support the group’s decision as if it were your own.