In this article:
- Values and company culture translate into a healthy partnership
- Economic well being is a signal for a healthy partner
- A people first approach is crucial
Our recent recognition as a bootstrapped company reminded me of the discipline that was indispensable to GAP’s founding. Building GAP from the ground up with no outside funding required diligence, intentionality, and plans for longevity. All of this contributed to a sense of ownership over our direction as a company — from the type of services we provide, to the philosophy driving exceptional delivery services. Our client relationships are strong because our foundational discipline continues to define our company, and the result of these efforts has funneled into an organization that performs at a high level for its employees and clients. This has culminated in GAP being a healthy company.
While we don’t claim to have everything figured out, perhaps the things we’ve learned along the way can assist you in determining the health of your technology partners. It’s worth considering some of the following insights.
Company Culture — Values Translate into the Partnership
Your partner’s company culture will affect your partnership, for better or worse. A company doing well internally will extend their values externally to their client relationship. A culture where actions are informed by values is easily identifiable since there won’t be a gap between words and actions. (Read more here about GAP’s values.) Actualizing values and creating a pleasant partnership where expectations are met (and often exceeded) indicates a company committed to their values and purposeful about driving consistency across the board in all areas.
Other ways to identify company culture include asking yourself key questions: How does the company handle setbacks? Is communication open and clear? Are they transparent with you?
An unhealthy company culture might internally lack accountability, proper communication, skilled leadership, or defined values. All of these things will (unfortunately) manifest in your partnership.
Economic Health — Setting Customer Obsession as the Standard
A healthy company also embodies economic health. As a bootstrapped company, customers are the engine behind GAP. We have a vested stake in your success because it translates into our success too. While mutually beneficial for both parties when a partner is able to provide an exceptional experience from start to finish, a healthy partnership is relational, not transactional. A technology partner should listen to your needs as they adapt in real time, understand your concerns and pain points, and strive to deliver a quality service with a positive attitude.
Customer obsession fuels growth. Just as your customer will know about your values and culture, take the time to learn about their culture, values, and dynamics. Customer obsession means more than delivering services, it means creating a relationship that transcends business. This mentality fosters healthy client relationship management that creates a thriving organization.
Reinvestment — Education & Career Development for Your People
Organizations are only as good as their people. A place that strives to further the career development of their people through educational resources has the long-term career of their employees in mind. If their people are well taken care of and the company views reinvestment as an absolute must, then they will treat and regard your people with that same level of care. Partners who also look beyond the scope of their own office, and seek to know and help the communities they are rooted in, also demonstrate higher levels of empathy and understanding. A people-first culture will always win.
A healthy and spirited technology partner can take many forms. But these three areas are markers of a partner that has directly overseen and been responsible for the growth of their business, all due to building relationships with clients that are worthwhile for both parties involved. Finding a partner who values culture, customers and communities is important. Technology modernization is the basis of a technology partnership, but delivering these services with a focus that encompasses a relationship approach informed by culture and values will help your partner become a strong asset to your company’s growth.
