At CSA, we’re proud of our small company with a unique culture. A couple years ago, we decided it was time to show exactly who we are and what we stand for, so we embarked on a process to identify a set of core company values that we could use for decision-making and human interactions throughout all levels of the organization. We wanted to be able to say, “This is who CSA is and what we represent. When you work for us or with us, this is what you can expect.”
I was lucky enough to be a part of the volunteer committee that helped refine our ideas into actual values. With representatives from each department, we made sure to carefully take our time to get it right. What we landed on is the following five values:
We care.
We support.
We lead.
We welcome.
We strive.
Our Values Defined
CSA’s five value statements are more than just statements that we think we are. These five descriptions hold true in both our professional and personal lives.
We care.
We consider the members of our team, internal and external, to be our most valuable resource. Their time, energy, spirit, and humanity matter. When we care about our people, they care about their work and the clients they serve.
We support.
We know that we are strongest together. Our ability to collaborate is one of our greatest strengths. We provide a solid foundation for our team members to solve problems, embrace change, and grow.
We lead.
We value responsive leaders who make time and space for their employees and contractors and guide them toward growth. We recognize that leadership does not require a title. Our team members are empowered to make decisions and meet challenges head-on.
We welcome.
We believe that everyone, regardless of background or ability, should have an opportunity to thrive. We foster a welcoming atmosphere with every interaction. Our goal is to make everyone feel at home, no matter who or where they are.
We strive.
We encourage curiosity. We are constantly asking, “How can this be improved?” We push beyond what is possible and celebrate conscious risk-taking. We work hard and take pride in all that we do.
Living Our Values
The CSA staff embodies our values—both at home and in the workplace. Because this is such a big part of who we are, we wanted to recognize staff members who truly exemplify each value. Starting last year at our all-company meeting, the CSA Exemplary Values Awards were born!
Every staff member has the opportunity to nominate someone for each value award, and then our CEO reviews the submissions to select a winner. Without further ado, I present to you the 2024 Exemplary Values Awards winners.
And the Winners Are…
We care.
Winner: Cathy
Cathy was consistently nominated for the “We Care” award and is our winner due to her unwavering support and genuine interest in her colleagues’ well-being. Her nominations highlighted Cathy’s constant encouragement of others’ successes, big or small, and her reminders to prioritize self-care. Cathy’s ability to connect with her colleagues on a personal level further solidified her reputation as a compassionate and caring individual.
“Cathy is always there to cheer on anyone’s win, whether it’s big or small, work-related or not.”
We support.
Winner: Corrie
Corrie was overwhelmingly nominated for the “We Support” award and won thanks to her proactive approach and eagerness to contribute to the team’s success. Corrie’s peers described her as someone who consistently jumps in to help on projects, offering solutions and a positive, can-do attitude. Her willingness to tackle various tasks has proven invaluable to her team.
“Corrie jumps in on seemingly any project to help move things forward. She is engaged and interested in solutions when problems come up.”
We lead.
Winner: Scottie
Scottie won the “We Lead” award for her exceptional leadership qualities. Scottie has a unique ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations, offering solutions and support to her team. She consistently demonstrates a willingness to actively participate and assist her team members, earning their trust and respect. Her nominations also noted Scottie’s dedication to advocating for her team’s growth and development, highlighting their strengths, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
“I don’t know of anyone that goes to bat for their team in the way Scottie does. She is so good at highlighting her team’s strengths and finding opportunities for them to improve and evolve in their roles.”
We welcome.
Winner: Junior
Junior received the “We Welcome” award due for his exceptional ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyone he interacts with. Nominations for Junior highlighted his consistently positive and friendly demeanor, noting that his presence fosters a sense of community and brings out the best in others. His kindness and welcoming nature make interactions enjoyable and leave a lasting positive impression.
“Junior is simply a pleasure to work with! He brings a smile to almost everyone he comes in contact with. His enthusiasm and positivity is infectious!”
We strive.
Winner: Homer
Homer was the winner of the “We Strive” award, thanks to his exceptional dedication to improving the company. He has been a leader in elevating the production team, fostering strong relationships with the teams he works with, and mentoring contractors to develop their leadership skills. Homer’s proactive approach to problem-solving and his ability to identify and implement valuable resources were also recognized in many nominations.
“Homer’s ability to see potential solutions to problems and then act on them is remarkable.”
Conclusion
Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Exemplary Values Awards! Your dedication to embodying our core values makes CSA a truly special place to work.