Absolutes

T

eam building is both an art or a science, and it cannot be understated how important a great team is for success. The quality of the work you do will never exceed the quality of the team behind it. Shield began with the idea that there are absolute truths about our business that affect how we work as a team. We assembled these fundamental beliefs, what we call our absolutes, which we share collaboratively as a company. Together, these absolutes chart our path forward, defining our culture and what we collectively stand for.

These core principles are not about how we find success or execute activities but instead are a pledge and a promise to each other. When it comes to assembling, motivating and keeping a great team happy so that they can flourish, we think our absolutes and the ideals they represent outline the best path forward. As a team, we will follow these guidelines in how we interact to become a cohesive unit that is stronger than mere individuals.

GREAT IS THE STARTING LINE, NOT THE FINISH LINE

Great is permission to play; excellence is the goal. Start with great, and then make it better. Remove bad experience from our customers’ vocabulary.

LAUGH, A LOT

Create fun. Be who you are. Embrace your weirdness.

IF YOU CAN’T MEASURE IT, IT DOESN’T COUNT

What it looks like only matters if it delivers. Substance over flash. Aesthetics and function cannot be separated.

EVERYONE IS A LEADER

Change is constant. Lead it, embrace it and drive it without whining or complaining. Let your inner mensch shine.

SAY WHAT NEEDS TO BE SAID

Don’t be afraid to speak up for what you believe. If you don’t say it, who will?

FAST > SLOW, BETTER > MORE

We all know quality is better than quantity. Do it well, and do it right, on deadline and under budget.

START WITH THE USER, END WITH THE USER

It’s not about you; it’s about our customers. We have the pleasure of getting together every day because of the value and service we provide our clients. Our work for them is how we continue to make a difference in the world.

EVERYTHING COMMUNICATES

Everything you do counts. Be accountable. Be present. Be honest.

DON’T BUILD UGLY

Embrace great design and make it last. Build it for 100 years. Good design is good business.

LEAVE THE WORLD BETTER THAN WE FOUND IT

What is good for our community and our environment is good for our business, too. Think sustainable, live social good and plan for the long-term.