Know and practice the safety procedures for your job. Watch out for the safety of your teammates as well, for we’re all part of the Caramanico Landscaping family. Never take shortcuts that compromise your safety or that of your teammates.

It’s all about the experience. With every experience, do the little things, as well as the big things, that surprise people. Make every interaction stand out for its helpfulness. Create the “WOW” factor that turns customers into raving fans. This includes both internal and external customers.

Take personal responsibility for making things happen. Respond to every situation by looking for how we can do it, instead of explaining why it can’t be done. Follow-up on everything and take responsibility to ensure that tasks get completed. Don’t make excuses or wait for others to solve the problem.

Respond to questions and concerns with a sense of urgency, whether it’s in person, on the phone, or by e-mail. This includes simply acknowledging that we got the question and we’re “on it,” as well as keeping those involved continuously updated on the status of outstanding issues.

Have a passion for what we do and be fully engaged. Make the most of each day by approaching every task with energy, focus, purpose, and enthusiasm. Work with a sense of urgency to get things done.

Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it. This includes being on time for all phone calls, appointments, meetings, and promises. If a commitment can’t be fulfilled, let others know as soon as possible, and agree on a new promise to be honored.

Missing just one detail can have an enormous impact on a job. Be a fanatic about accuracy and precision. The goal is to get things right, not simply to get them done. Double-check your work. Get the details right the first time.

Be open to learning from others, no matter what role they have, and regardless of their age, industry, experience, or tenure with our company. We make better decisions when we consider multiple perspectives.

It’s not about you. Don’t let your own agenda get in the way of doing what’s best for our team. Check your ego at the door.

You have the power to choose your attitude. Choose to be happy, optimistic, and enthusiastic. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Your attitude is contagious. Spread optimism and positive energy.

While our passion for excellence is real, remember that the world has bigger problems than the daily challenges that make up our work. Stuff happens. Keep perspective. Don’t take things personally or take yourself too seriously. Laugh every day.

Be a lifelong learner. Seek out and take advantage of every opportunity to gain more knowledge, to increase your skills, and to become a better expert. Be resourceful about learning and sharing what you’ve learned.

Create clarity and avoid misunderstandings by discussing expectations upfront. Set expectations for others and ask when you’re not clear on what they expect of you. End all meetings with clarity about action items, responsibilities, and due dates.

Look for opportunities to reduce or eliminate waste in all its forms – supplies, fuel, time and energy. The more efficient we become, the more we’re able to grow for the benefit of everyone.

The best way to influence others is through your own example. Walk the talk. Take responsibility, both formally and informally, to coach, guide, teach, and mentor others. Be the change you want to see.

Recognizing people doing things right is more effective than pointing out when they do things wrong. Regularly extend meaningful acknowledgment and appreciation — in all directions throughout our organization.

Our reputation is tied to yours. Represent C. Caramanico and Sons, Inc. with pride and distinction. Be professional in everything you do.

Our business is built on trust and trust is built on relationships. Make smart decisions that build long-term relationships. Strong relationships enable us to retain customers and to attract new ones.

Follow our operating procedures to ensure consistency, high performance, and safety. When you see opportunities for process improvement, recommend them so that new and better standards can be established for the benefit of everyone.

Solve problems before they happen by anticipating what might happen, planning for contingencies, and addressing them in advance. Work with appropriate lead times. Preventing issues is always better than fixing them.

Demonstrate a passion for excellence and take pride in the quality of everything you touch and everything you do. Have a healthy dislike for being average. Good is not good enough. Always ask yourself, “Is this my best work?”

Find ways to do things better, faster, and safer. Don’t be satisfied with where we are today. “Because we’ve always done it that way” is not a reason. Guard against complacency.

Imagine this was your company or your own equipment. Ask yourself, “What would I do if this were my own money? Will this help the company succeed?” Act and make decisions like this was your own business.

Build relationships with coworkers that go deeper than simply working on the same job site together. Whether it’s a kind word, a friendly smile each morning, or a helping hand during stressful times, show your compassion. Maintain a healthy work/life balance.

What got us here isn’t the same as what will get us to the next level. Get outside your comfort zone, rather than hanging on to old ways of doing things. Be excited by the possibilities that change and growth bring. Be flexible.

Listening is more than simply “not speaking.” Give others your undivided attention. Be present and engaged. Minimize the distractions and let go of the need to agree or disagree. Suspend your judgment and be curious to know more, rather than jumping to conclusions. Above all, listen to understand.

Speak honestly in a way that helps to make progress. Say what you mean, and be willing to ask questions, share ideas, or raise issues that may cause conflict when it’s necessary for team success. Be courageous enough to say what needs to be said. Address issues directly with those who are involved or affected.

In all situations, do what’s best for the customer, even if it’s to our own short-term detriment. Put their needs ahead of our own. There’s no greater way to build a reputation than to always do what’s right for others. Every day.

Focus on solutions instead of pointing fingers or focusing on problems. Identify lessons learned and use those lessons to improve our processes and ourselves so we don’t make the same mistake twice. Get smarter with every mistake. Learn from every experience.

Be organized and plan your work for maximum efficiency. Have all the tools necessary before starting your work. Be thoughtful about your schedule, and have a game plan for your calls, your tasks, and your workday. Know the priorities and work on them first.

Be willing to do the simple and ordinary things necessary to get the job done. Nothing is beneath any of us. Pitch in wherever necessary.