The Power of Clear Company Values

Written By: A.J. Rounds

Grit. Growth. Gratitude.

These words make up the simple values at RevRoad’s core. 

In 2020 we modified our values to replace the third value, previously known as +1 (going above and beyond what is expected for our portfolio companies), with Gratitude.

Does that mean that + 1s have disappeared? No—quite the contrary. The +1 mentality will still be a part of RevRoad’s culture. We will always go above and beyond for the success of our portfolio companies, but we feel it is important to publicly acknowledge, by way of gratitude, the opportunity we have to work with passionate entrepreneurs striving to scale their businesses. 

Every day we are grateful for the insights and energy our portfolio companies bring to RevRoad. Since the switch in our values, not only does our team vocalize and demonstrate more gratitude, but our portfolio company founders have responded similarly. 

What we’ve found is that implementing gratitude into everyday company values and practices has improved the team synergy, overall productivity, and appreciation for all the incredible people that make up the RevRoad family. 

Share this with someone below who you think exemplifies one of RevRoad’s core values: Grit, Growth, and Gratitude!

Learn more about RevRoad here

Social Sensitivity in the Workplace

As defined by researchgate.net, Social sensitivity is the personal ability to perceive and understand the feelings and viewpoints of others. Why is social sensitivity important in the workplace and specifically when working with a team? Here’s what we found. 

On September 19th, Emily Gregory, VP of Development and Delivery at VitalSmarts, presented at the RevRoad Revation Summit. During her presentation, Gregory stated the following, “When team members have a higher degree of social sensitivity it predicts a higher rate of team success.” 

Social sensitivity demonstrates that one is aware of other people in both business and social settings. Below are two examples. The first demonstrates conversational qualities of someone who lacks social sensitivity. The second demonstrates qualities of someone who is socially sensitive. 

Example 1: Lacks social sensitivity

During a team meeting, a co-worker gets defensive about the progress of his/her tasks. Rather than mentioning where they are at in relation to task completion and an updated timeline/completion date, the coworker gets more upset and their voice begins to raise. It’s frustrating that they don’t have as much done on their assigned task as was expected. Soon, the energy in the room takes a turn for the worse as you raise your voice back in an effort to “put them in their place.” 

Example 2: Demonstrates social sensitivity

During a team meeting, a co-worker gets defensive about the progress of his/her tasks. Rather than mentioning where they are at in relation to task completion and an updated timeline completion date, the coworker gets more upset and their voice begins to raise. Though you’re frustrated that they don’t have as much done on their assigned task as expected, you calmly respond, “I understand this week has been stressful and we really appreciate your hard work. Based off what is on your plate right now, what would be a reasonable target completion date for these tasks?” 

Example 3: Lacks social sensitivity

At a networking event, a conversation between you and another attendee has sparked.  However, only five minutes into the conversation you feel undervalued and unheard as the conversation consistently circles back to the other attendee. Not only are they continuously talking about what they are doing and what they are interested in, they also bulldoze over anything you attempt to add to the conversation. You start to deliver verbal and physical social cues demonstrating you’re losing interest, but those are also ignored. Soon, the conversation becomes awkward as you search for a segway out of the “conversation.” 

Example 4: Demonstrates social sensitivity

At a networking event, a conversation between you and another attendee has sparked.  Five minutes into the conversation you feel valued, heard, and appreciated. The conversation is evenly focused and you both have the opportunity to talk about what you’re working on and what you’re interested in. You both take turns talking, listening, and responding. After wrapping up, you leave the conversation appreciating the new connection and excited to continue networking.

The ability to understand and demonstrate social sensitivity on a team will increase the overall rate of success.

Discover your own social intelligence by taking the “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” test. Take the test here.

For more information on workplace social skills and building great leaders, visit vitalsmarts.com.
For more information about business and entrepreneurship visit RevRoad.com or email info@www.revroad.com