Joe Kralik

In The Beginning…

When I joined Essity four years ago, or SCA as it was then known, I did so in large part due to the culture of the organization.  A culture steeped in ethical behavior, integrity, collaboration, and a highly professional atmosphere.  The fact that TENA is the global leader in the incontinence market enticed me, but the organizational culture is what drove me here and what helps to keep me motivated to remain at the top of my game.  Being able to openly collaborate between teams, with colleagues and managers, and even between business units is an energizing experience that fuels my soul and inspires creativity.  This culture of respect has allowed me to exceed my goals on several occasions and afforded me with the opportunity for advancement, which I long desired.

Let There be Light…

In my quest to find an organization that matched my core-beliefs of integrity, professionalism, and ethical behavior, I spent much time reading various business-related books and completed several degrees in order to prepare myself to meld into that organization, should I find it.  I have to admit that there were times when I almost lost hope; that I was beginning to believe that such an organization didn’t exist.  That was, until I found a home at Essity.  I was immediately embraced figuratively and literally as I became a member of the eastern region team.  In fact, they became more than a work team to me; they are family!  We work hard together, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and support each other when work or life throws us a curve.  This sense of family can only be found in an organization that inspires people to be successful.  And, this inspiration can only be derived through a sustainable culture that nurtures the talents of the individuals, which in turn fuels the success of the organization.

A Revelation…

One of my favorite business books is The Fred Factor.  In his 2004 book, Mark Sanborn outlines four principles of how to bring a sense of passion into everything that you do.  This sense of passion, whether it is in your work life or personal life, can help you turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.  In essence, Sanborn is talking about culture.  In fact, I had a revelation when I reviewed the four pillars that encompass the beliefs and behaviors at Essity!  Our four pillars, which are a driving force for the future success of our organization, are in many ways similar to The Four Fred Principals.

The Four Fred Principles

1. Everyone makes a difference
2. Success is built on relationships
3. You must continually create value for others and it doesn’t have to cost you a penny
4. You can reinvent yourself regularly
   • https://youtu.be/4GKQ9kTnSg4

Essentially, what are the values of Fred the Postman?  Fred is:

1. Committed to delivering (pun intended!) superior results
2. Caring for his customers
3. Having the courage to lead by example
4. Willing to work with, collaborate with, his customers and outside organizations in order to deliver outstanding customer service

The Four Pillars That Drive Our Culture

So, I stated earlier that the beliefs and behaviors at Essity reminded me of The Four Fred Principles.  Let’s see how accurate I am in my analysis.

Our Beliefs at Essity are:

1. We are committed to delivering superior results
2. We care for our customers, consumers, the environment and each other
3. We have the courage to take the lead
4. We collaborate across teams, functions and businesses

Wow, no wonder I love working at Essity!  I have always believed in The Four Fred Principles, so it only makes sense that I embrace the four pillars that drive the overall culture at Essity.  A culture that allows individuals to thrive as we care for each customer, both internal and external, with a commitment to deliver superior results by conducting ourselves in an ethical and professional manner.  A culture that empowers each individual to have courage and to lead with integrity.  A culture that opens the channels of communication between business units, across teams, and throughout the organizational chart.  A culture that promotes unity among the parts…a team…a family…a home.

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