It is critical for all WinMill associates to understand The Triangle of Success as the basis for our training philosophy. We believe that real experience is derived from development in three key areas: Professionalism/Tradecraft, Industry Knowledge, and Technology. At WinMill, we visually represent these three areas as the three sides of a Triangle. Development in all three areas is the key to any person's success.
Technology
The third side of the Triangle is technology. WinMill focuses much of its energies on technical skills because of the needs of its clients. However, as associates we need to concentrate on learning all technologies, not just one tool or discipline. Real value is created when one understands, and ultimately masters, all phases of the development cycle. The advantage of having a consultant who has mastered tools supporting every stage of the development life cycle is evident at every phase of a project through increased awareness of potential obstacles and more creative, integrated and sustainable solutions.
At WinMill there are three distinct ways to learn technology--in the classroom, through self-study, and by working with the technology at a client site. Training begins the moment a new associate walks through the door and continues for his or her entire career. Additionally, WinMill has developed a powerful tool for directed self-study in the form of Web CampusTM, a distance education environment on the Internet.
Industry Knowledge
Vertical industry knowledge is the second side of the triangle. It includes such industries as banking & finance, professional services, health care, manufacturing and education. Experience in these areas, which can take years to amass, is perhaps the most valuable knowledge you will ever acquire. You will be amazed how in a world of such rapid change, the business fundamentals of vertical industries remain constant. Significant industry knowledge will always be highly regarded by the market place, often more than technical skill. This, too, applies beyond your work at WinMill; it advances your personal development and increases your sense of self-worth.
As with the first side of the Triangle, vertical industry knowledge can be learned from books and classes. However, there is no substitute for first-hand industry experience. Nothing makes a client more quickly at ease than a service provider with knowledge of their business and with a firm grasp of their special needs and terminology.
The best thing that you can do in your quest to master the second side of the Triangle is to learn the industry in which you are working. When you are on a project, take advantage of the opportunity to study how the client works within that industry and how the industry as a whole operates.
Professionalism
The first side of the Triangle is about being a true professional and a master of your craft. This extends beyond WinMill: mastering your trade will allow you to excel anywhere. Active listening, creative solutions, excellent communication skills, service strategies, teamwork, knowing how to treat clients, and understanding the value of respect are examples of the invaluable skills that will help you to succeed in everything that you do. There are many ways to improve professional skills, such as taking courses, attending seminars and reading books. But the best way to learn these techniques is simply to observe those around you. Take advantage of the experience of your peers and mentors; emulate those who exemplify the consummate professional.
Conclusion
WinMill is a company that sets itself apart from--and above--the rest, as a firm focusing in the new millennium on our most important resource, our employees. During regular team meetings at each office, associates discuss current projects, new technologies, changes in Company policy, and suggestions toward Company betterment. This allows a synergistic alliance among all employees that helps to complete all three sides of the Triangle of Success. This holistic approach to open communication and peer learning coupled with superior hiring practices paves the way for individual and Company wide success.
Teaching our associates to grow in the three areas represented by the Triangle will result in personal fulfillment, more educated and happier associates, higher loyalty, better retention, improved client service and stronger profitability. Ultimately, it will be the hallmark of our great Company. The Triangle of Success is the foundation on which WinMill Software is built. In everything that we do, we stress quality, especially in our mission to be the absolute best service Company. We have been living this strategy for years. It is our greatest asset, and our strongest competitive advantage. Years from now, people will read about WinMill as the place people went to work and to learn how to be the best. We are career makers.