The Gung Ho management principle, inspired by the teachings of Dr. W. Edwards Deming and popularized by author Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles in their book “Gung Ho! Turn On the People in Any Organization,” is a powerful approach to leadership that emphasizes teamwork, enthusiasm, and shared goals – and fits in perfectly with the corporate culture of the Herma Group.
Growing out of the Japanese philosophy of Gung Ho, meaning “working together,” this management approach develops a workplace culture that puts a premium on collaboration, employee engagement, and instilling a sense of purpose in every employee, at all levels of the organization. Does that sound familiar?
Gung Ho revolves around three key principles that guide Herma leaders in cultivating a thriving and motivated workforce:
First, the Spirit of the Squirrel. This principle emphasizes the importance of setting clear and inspiring goals. This is why Herma leaders are encouraged to define a compelling purpose that resonates with employees, much like a squirrel’s instinct to gather and store nuts for the winter. By instilling a sense of purpose and direction, leaders can being to ignite the passion and dedication of their teams.
The Spirit of the Squirrel perfectly encapsulates the reason why the Herma values are so central to life in the Herma Group. The core values of Enterprise, Excellence, Integrity, Respect for the Individual, and Teamwork allow employees to define their goals as an integral part of the Herma team. Finding their own purpose within the organization deepens their dedication and ultimately drives them to excel.
The second principle that is foundational to the Gung Ho philosophy is the Way of the Beaver. Just as beavers work diligently to build their dams, Gung Ho underscores the significance of creating a supportive and cooperative environment. Leaders are encouraged to foster a culture of mutual assistance, where team members collaborate and help each other achieve common goals. This principle emphasizes the strength of teamwork and the idea that individuals can accomplish more when working together.
Teamwork is actually one of the five core Herma values, and one which the Chairman continually emphasizes. Coming from his experience in the very early days when he and the crew lived, ate, and worked together, the Chairman has always placed great value in the concept of working together to achieve a common goal.
And finally, the Gift of the Goose. In Gung Ho symbology, the goose symbolizes celebration and acknowledgment. Leaders are urged to recognize and appreciate the efforts of their team members, fostering a positive and motivating atmosphere. Regular celebrations of achievements, both big and small, contribute to a sense of accomplishment and boost morale within the organization.
In our offices at Herma, it’s not unusual for the typical office sounds – keyboards clacking, people on business calls, printers going full blast – to be punctuated with the occasional “Honk! Honk!” Whenever that happens, look around and you’ll find Gung Ho alums giving recognition for a job well-done! This is a sign that the underpinning principles of Gung Ho have been fully integrated into the corporate culture at Herma.