From the very beginning‚ our competitive advantage has always been our people. Our people are simply different. Different in how we treat our customers‚ different in how we work with each other‚ and different in the results we achieve. These differences are best captured in the 27 Fundamentals that are the bedrock of our unique culture. We call it:

The Header Way

ACT WITH INTEGRITY. Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing in every action you take and in every decision you make‚ even when no one’s looking. Always tell the truth. If you make a mistake‚ own up to it‚ apologize‚ and make it right.
MAKE QUALITY PERSONAL. Take pride in the quality of everything you touch and everything you do. Always ask yourself‚ Is this my best work? Everything you touch has your signature. Sign in bold ink.
THINK SAFE. WORK SAFE. Know and practice the safety procedures for your job. Watch out for the safety of your teammates as well‚ for you are your brother’s keeper. Never take shortcuts that compromise your safety or that of your teammates.
GET STUFF DONE. Take personal responsibility for making things happen — somehow‚ someway. Respond to every situation by looking for how we can do it‚ rather than explaining why it can’t be done. Be resourceful and show initiative. Don’t make excuses. Take the extra step to solve the problem‚ follow-up‚ and see the issue through to its completion. We get paid to complete things‚ not simply to work on them.
DO WHAT’S BEST FOR THE CUSTOMER. In all situations‚ do what’s best for the customer‚ both internal ones and external ones. There’s no greater way to build a reputation than to earn the trust of those we serve‚ and there’s no greater way to build trust than to do what’s right for others. Every day.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS. From the setup of a machine to the work instructions on a job‚ from nailing the tolerances to getting the paperwork right... details matter. Be a fanatic about accuracy and precision. Double-check your work — dot your is and cross your ts. Get the details right.
WORK SMARTER‚ NOT HARDER. Be organized and plan your work‚ including having all the tools necessary before getting started. Consider your downstream customers and set them up for success. Be proactive and think through potential obstacles or pitfalls. It’s always easier to prevent a problem than to fix one.
HONOR COMMITMENTS. Be reliable and deliver on your commitments every time. This includes being on time (or early) for work‚ after breaks‚ and for meetings. Do what you say you’re going to do‚ when you say you’re going to do it. If a commitment can’t be fulfilled‚ notify others early and agree on a new commitment to be honored.
CHECK THE EGO AT THE DOOR. Think team first. Consider how your actions impact your teammates‚ including the customer. Don’t let your ego get in the way of doing what’s best for the team. Not one of us is as good as all of us. There’s no such thing as one person or one department succeeding and another falling short. We win and lose as a team.
DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. The goal is to get things right‚ not simple to get them done. While we always want to work with a sense of urgency‚ sometimes we need to slow down in order to speed up. Double-check your work. Measure twice‚ cut once. Stop and ask if you’re not sure.
GET CLEAR ON EXPECTATIONS. Create clarity and avoid misunderstandings by discussing expectations upfront. Establish mutually understood objectives and deadlines for all projects‚ issues and commitments.
GO THE EXTRA MILE. Be willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the job... plus a little bit more. Go beyond the minimum requirements‚ and make it the best you can. Even if it takes doing something that wouldn’t normally be part of your job‚ it’s the extra mile that separates the average person from the superstar. Be a superstar.
CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE YOURSELF AND OUR COMPANY. Keep getting better by learning new skills and working to improve yourself. Constantly reevaluate every aspect of your job to find ways to do things better. Don’t settle or be satisfied with the status quo. Because we’ve always done it that way is not a reason. Ask questions and challenge. Push the limit. Be a lifetime learner.
PRACTICE BLAMELESS PROBLEM-SOLVING. Apply your creativity‚ spirit‚ and enthusiasm to developing solutions‚ rather than pointing fingers or dwelling on problems. Identify lessons learned and use those lessons to improve our processes so we don’t make the same mistake. Learn from every experience.
LISTEN GENEROUSLY. Listening is more than simply not speaking. Give people your undivided attention. Be present and engaged. Let go of the need to agree or disagree. Above all‚ listen to understand.
SPEAK STRAIGHT. Speak honestly in a way that moves the action forward. Make clear and direct requests. Say what you mean‚ and be willing to ask questions‚ share ideas‚ or raise issues that may cause conflict when it’s necessary for team success. Address issues directly with those who are involved or affected.
TAKE PRIDE IN OUR APPEARANCE. Keeping your work area and our entire shop clean and orderly shows people that we care about our work. It inspires confidence in our quality. If you see it‚ take care of it. Take pride in being a Header team member.
SHARE INFORMATION. Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Learn to ask yourself‚ Who else needs to know this? The more people know‚ the better we can collaborate‚ and the better we can serve our downstream customers. Information is one of our greatest assets. Find it‚ share it‚ and use it.
TAKE INTELLIGENT RISKS. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe. It comes from a thoughtful and intentional willingness to try the unconventional and to test the limits. Use sound judgment.
EMBRACE CHANGE. What got us here is not the same as what will get us to the next level. Be inspired by the opportunities that change brings‚ rather than stubbornly hanging onto old ways of doing things. Be flexible and open to new approaches.
CELEBRATE SUCCESS. Catching people doing things right is more effective than catching them doing things wrong. Regularly give‚ receive‚ and ask for meaningful acknowledgement and appreciation — in all directions throughout our company.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Take responsibility‚ both formally and informally‚ to coach‚ guide‚ teach‚ and mentor others. The best way to influence others is through your own example. Don’t wait for others to change. Be the change you want to see.
BRING IT EVERY DAY. Everyone is needed and everyone’s important. BE here and be fully engaged. Make the most of each day by approaching every task with energy‚ focus‚ purpose‚ and enthusiasm.
WALK IN YOUR CUSTOMER’S SHOES. Think from their perspective. Understand their challenges and frustrations‚ and find ways to make their lives easier. Seek to create win/win solutions. This includes both internal and external customers.
CONTRIBUTE TO GAINSHARING. We’re in business to deliver value for our customers while making money. While some make chips and sparks and others support those do‚ we all play a role in building sales that exceed our expenses. Look for ways to bring in new customers‚ reduce waste‚ run more efficiently‚ and control our expenses.
ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT. Work from the assumption that people are good‚ and that the intent behind their actions is positive. Set aside your own judgments and preconceived notions. Give people the benefit of the doubt.
KEEP THINGS FUN. Remember that the world has bigger problems than the daily challenges that make up our work. Keep perspective. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoying what you do is contagious. Laugh every day.