Creating the right culture

I recently read an interview with Zappos.com Chief Executive Tony Hsieh that appeared in the New York Times and was intriguingly titled “On a Scale of 1 to 10, How Weird Are You?”

The interview focuses on the evolving corporate culture at Zappos.com, a work environment that embraces fun, creativity, hard work and individuality (or weirdness according to the folks at Zappos.com!).

It’s important for any organization - and those operating within the animal welfare field are no exception - to be able to define its culture and to create a work environment that lives up to its own core values in furtherance of its mission.

At the Richmond SPCA, our culture helps define who we are and how well we deliver the important, lifesaving services we offer to the pets and people of our community. Like Zappos.com, the Richmond SPCA values fun, creativity, hard work and individuality. In addition, we value integrity, compassion and excellence.

These values, among others, make coming to work every day at the Richmond SPCA exciting and enjoyable. As a team, we are committed to treating every life as precious and to building a community that values animal life and companionship. Having a strong culture, which we all buy into, helps to ensure that we are the best organization we can be for the animals that depend upon us for their future health and happiness. Pictured are Assistant Manager of Adoptions Laura Clement with her Richmond SPCA alumna Honey.

Tamsen Heckel Kingry is the chief operating officer of the Richmond SPCA. To read her complete biography, or that of our other bloggers, please click here. 

Comments

[Sunmore]

You already have a unique culture. The SPCA is a wonderful place and a great & positive atmosphere. The employees and volunteers have the attitude and always put the animals first. The information provided by the SPCA is great especially by Robin Starr in the newspaper and through mailings. Education is the only way to make people aware of animal issues. I have learned so much volunteering at the SPCA and have made friends through employees and other volunteers. Keep up doing what you are doing.