EP 65 - Stability in a Time of Rapid Change

Recently I received a note from Mary Ellen who drew my attention to a post that we did back in the days when we actually did blog posts rather than these audio BlogCasts as we do today.  It warmed my heart to read this blog that was first posted in September of 2013. Much has changed since that posting over the last five years. We've added about 140 members systems, 350 employees, and have been through 15 versions of our core product offering.  Sometimes the pace of change is a bit dizzying but what is most interesting to me is that some things, like the foundation of our organization and our culture, have remained virtually unchanged. Our statement of shared values, first develop by our employees in 2000, has remained intact as has the fact that although we're a technology company our business remains a relationship business.  I continue to believe that one of the most appealing aspects of our work here at NISC is the fast pace of change, evolution, and the challenge that that change brings. But there is some comfort that amidst all of this change there is a set of values and principles the foundation of our organization that remains constant and provide predictability, stability, and at times a refuge during our frantic days.  During this Thanksgiving season I thought it would be appropriate to share this post once again. Although five years old it is as relevant today. Perhaps even more relevant than it was back then.    What it is, is a relationship The connection is what matters   We listen. We talk. We absorb our Members’ experience. We learn from and teach our Members. When we design new products we ask –  How will this help? Does this product deserve to exist?     If this were my company, what would I do? Is it about the money?   No. It’s about making a difference.  It’s about being a part of something greater than ourselves.     We embrace Member ideas and suggestions,   but we make hard choices.  If you try to do everything, you achieve nothing.    We focus on the important things. We work to make what we do enhance every life we touch.  We focus on our priorities and hold on to our values. At NISC, we do the right thing – always.   We don’t believe in coincidence or dumb luck. The harder we work, the luckier we get. We balance our personal and work lives. We know what has true value – family, Members, colleagues, our  community, and friends.   We’re engineers, accountants, programmers and artists, craftsmen,  communicators, inventors, and researchers.   Most of all, we’re problem solvers.   We sign our work with dedication to each of you. You may rarely look at it, but we hope you feel the “heart” of NISC.. This is our connection to you. And for NISC employees, it means everything.   Thanks for listening.  I appreciate you,  Vern