The story of Insentra’s success. Is a great example of creating a culture of success.
Read on to learn what culture has got to do with Insentra’s success. And how it they managed it. As well as shared the vision with their team?
Businesses can create and maintain an awesome culture. That delivers to their mission and drives profits. The following is a story, not about Google. But about a great business in Sydney. Gaining attention for its awesome culture and rapid growth. Insentra. Also how outsourcing your HR Consulting can be invaluable. To help define the right culture, tell the story and drive profits and sustain growth.
About Insentra
A channel focused service provider. In the Information Technology space and in the News:
- BRW Fast Starters 2012
- Symantec Service Partner of the year 2012
- Action Coach My Business Best Start up 2012
About the founder of Insentra
Ronnie Altit is a business associate of mine. And co-founder and Managing director of Insentra. A channel focused specialist IT Services Company. He recently picked up an Award. As a highly commended in the category of ‘Personal innovation. The leadership’ category. At the ARN Arnet Information Technology Industry awards.
His award was around the extraordinary culture. Staff retention and team spirit at Insentra. He achieved this culture of success due to the way he hires, on boards and manages his team.
He explains that he uses an analogy to engage and align. All his team to Insentra’s mission and values which form the basis of the Insentra culture.
How did he create this award-winning business?
Ronnie explains how he started with getting the Culture right first:
“Running a business is like running a steam train. He said: “We think of Insentra as a steam train. I, as MD, am the driver. I have a dream for this train. The train has cost a lot to set up. All the items involved in the setup are the enclosure, rent, maintenance, and in the analogy, the price of coal.
The train is shiny and new. We are full of pride and hope, and we are under pressure to keep it moving. And be successful in getting to our destination. I can’t run the train on my own.”
He brings his team on board, and this is what he does when they are about to hit tough times:
Continuing with the Steam train analogy he explains:
“I have invited every member of the Insentra team. To get on board and shovel coal into the fire to help the train move forward. They could work on any train. They’ve chosen to be on the Insentra train – ours.”
“Every now and again the train is going to need to climb a hill. That’s when the company gets busy. Now, everyone will need to shovel coal together and a lot harder, to help the train get to the top of the hill. That includes me, as the driver.”
Through this process it is going to get hot, dirty and messy. People will tread on each-others toes. And may even hit the other with a shovel by accident. All in the name of trying to get that train up the hill.
We are head down shovelling coal. We’ve got to get over that hill or we get stuck. And there are other trains coming up behind us. There is only one track.”
Read more about good hiring-strategies-best-fit.
Once past the tough time:
Continuing with the Steam train analogy for when they are past the tough part:
“We will conquer the hill. We straighten up ourselves. And take a moment to enjoy the view and then we will coast downhill for a period. At that point everyone will be able to take a breath and prepare for the next hill.
Then the train will pull into the station. At this point, more people may get on board. To deal with the track ahead. And those who don’t want to shovel coal on the Insentra train can get off.
We will need to train the new people. How to shovel coal the way we do it. Which will allow the longer-term coal movers to step up and develop the new, more junior team. And so, it continues. “
What if someone want to leave:
Again, using the Steam train analogy:
“The team are also aware that if they become undecided about continuing, there is a way off the train. If the indecision leaves them. With one foot on the train. And one foot on the platform. Or precariously hanging off above the track. The train driver and his engineers (the management team) want to know. So, they can rectify any issues preventing them from staying on the train.”
“If they have outgrown the train, the driver. And engineers will assist them in finding a new train more suited.”
There are no hard feelings or awkwardness. Thereby, avoiding hostility and time consumed on unnecessary arguments.
“For those who want to stay and love it on the train. We will work hard to train. And expand their horizons. So, that when they meet their destination, they are able to make a fresh start from a higher viewpoint. That’s what we love best, when our coal shovelers start to live their dreams – on us.”
The above approach is very important. And forms the basis of good practice in HR Consulting for Business success. By allowing for an exit strategy, it removes the emotion. And stress and is less likely a business will have a Fair work matter to deal with. As Ronnie points out, they also love to have their people grow and excel in life. This is a terrific attitude and likely to keep all involved positive and supportive. Wherever the team members end up. they will have a positive memory of their experience at Insentra.
How the team respond to this Steam train analogy:
“Our team love the train story. They all feel a part of the same machine. Travelling on a railroad. Which ensures they are taken together, on a journey. Along the same track. Knowing that each of them as individuals. And as a team are what makes the train move. The better they work together. The better the train will stick to its timetable and reach its destination”.
This is a fabulous analogy for teamwork and the benefit it has for all concerned. It is another core component of HR Consulting to businesses by creating an aligned team. All working together to achieve success. As the saying goes, there is no ‘I’ in team.
In conclusion of the Insentra Culture of success story:
This is a terrific story. And an excellent use of analogy. As well as storytelling. To ensure everyone understands and shares the business journey. It is a fantastic way to explain to the team. How important it is that each member is part of the mission, vision and values of the business. So, they form the culture and embed it to drive the business forward with an aligned team.
A business needs a team to grow. Or the business owner will be exhausted trying to do everything alone. The team needs to be part of the culture. And embrace the vision, mission and purpose.
Ronnie’s analogy makes perfect sense. And enables anyone to understand. As well as appreciate the importance of setting up the culture right first. And aligning everyone to it.
How outsourcing your HR can help create a culture of success:
Not every business owner has the capacity to find their story. And share it as well as Ronnie has with Insentra. King Consulting HR consultants can assist your business. To develop your story to create the right culture, maintain it and drive profits.
I often refer to this story with my clients. It helps to create an image which most people can relate to. Complex topics such as culture. Teamwork and driving through difficulties. Are much easier understood with stories and imagery.
It is also, easier to refer to this story when discussing difficult topics such as behaviour. Too often, people refer to their company policy without expanding on why it is important. Also, without a story and shared understanding. The topic of behaviour becomes stressful and emotional.
In concluding this post:
Businesses need to start by defining their desired culture. In their human resources management process. Then, find a method to create a story to explain the vision and purpose. Thereby, making it easier to share and find likeminded team members to share the journey.
I created King HR Consultants to support businesses. With their human resources management systems. I start with the Culture. Which drives all the other related activities. To keep the business on track and profitable.
Read more about culture and human resources:
√ Culture is the key to success!
√ HR Strategy – 7 Tips for small business
√ Employee Engagement is the key to success in business
Get in touch if you would like support with HR Consulting services for your business.