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The iDS Way, iDS Way, STEPS™ framework, STEPS™

“The iDS Way” Core Fundamentals echo our Core Values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Innovation, and Excellence, as well as our commitment to Diversity Equity & Inclusion.


iDS’ Core Fundamentals are behaviors that we want all employees to embrace that transform words into actions and bring our culture to life.

Fundamental #1

DO WHAT’S BEST FOR THE CLIENT

In all situations, do what’s best for the client, even if it’s to our own detriment. There’s no greater way to build a reputation than to steadfastly do what’s right for others – every day. Lowering costs is not the only path to doing what’s best for the client.

Fundamental #2

INVEST IN RELATIONSHIPS

Get to know your clients and co-workers on a more personal level. Talk more and e-mail less. Understand what makes others tick and what’s important to them. Strong relationships enable us to more successfully work through difficult issues and challenging times.

Fundamental #3

PRACTICE THE “HUMAN TOUCH”

Listen for, and pay attention to, the things that make people unique. Make the effort and take the time to connect on a personal level. Use face-to-face meetings, handwritten notes, and phone calls to connect. Show people you care about them as individuals rather than as transactions. Genuine compassion can’t be faked.

Fundamental #4

BE CONSULTATIVE

Be a thinker, not just a doer. Ask questions. Seek to understand the root problem and contribute to solving that problem. A solution without understanding is a guess.

Fundamental #5

GET CLEAR ON EXPECTATIONS

Create clarity and avoid misunderstandings by discussing expectations upfront. Establish mutually understood objectives and deadlines for all projects, issues, and commitments. Where appropriate, confirm your communication by asking others to repeat back verbally their understanding to ensure total clarity and agreement. Use budgets. Focus on clearly defined services and deliverables.

Fundamental #6

BE PROCESS-ORIENTED

World-class organizations are built on a foundation of highly effective, repeatable processes. Create processes for every aspect of your work and then turn those processes into habits to achieve consistent results. Follow STEPS™.

Fundamental #7

BE A LIFELONG LEARNER

Own your development. Take the initiative to seek out new experiences and take advantage of every opportunity to gain more knowledge, to increase your skills, and to become a better professional. Be coachable and seek feedback. Practice self-critique.

Fundamental #8

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Be prepared for your engagements and your meetings. Do the background research. Read the Complaint. Prepare your templates for conference calls and interviews in advance. Know the actors before you engage. Give yourself the foundation for success.

Fundamental #9

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Be prepared for your engagements and your meetings. Do the background research. Read the Complaint. Prepare your templates for conference calls and interviews in advance. Know the actors before you engage. Give yourself the foundation for success.

Fundamental #10

FOLLOW THE DATA

We help our clients build narratives through data. Those narratives yield answers. The better we can identify and work with data, the better that
narrative.

Fundamental #11

BE CURIOUS

Always think about the “why.” Ask the questions to seek knowledge. Don’t accept anything at “face value” if it doesn’t make sense to you. Question what you don’t understand.
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