In an age of self-checkout lanes, Siri, and drone delivery systems, we can get lost in a dehumanized world and forget about the men and women who have made this country great. Every company has relied on the hard work and creativity of its people.
Oswego Creative turns thirty this year and like any hallmark anniversary, it prompted me to stand back and take a good look at who we are. From day one we wanted to produce a great video product for our clients while providing a healthy atmosphere for our staff. The dream was always to be relevant, fair, honest, and, of course, creative.
Our product continues to evolve, setting the bar higher with each project, but it’s our workplace atmosphere that makes it possible. The key is finding the right people who can integrate into a system where everyone is valued and necessary. The focus then becomes providing them the right tools and support to not only thrive but to grow to their full potential.
Sure, we still need rules. We are first a business, but at Oswego Creative we have strived to be a place where the entire person is respected and appreciated. We ask the same of each member. Get your work done. And when “ life” gets in the way, ask the team to help you. We know life’s interruptions don’t always run on a weekend or after-work schedule.
We’ve all worked at places where the day starts with anxiety. Please don’t let the traffic be too hairy. I can’t be late or my day is ruined. My child is sick but I’m out of sick days, so now what? Perhaps in a large company more rules are necessary and people get lost in the enforcement of those rules. We keep them to a minimum because when you peel back all the bureaucracy every company’s goal is the same: be successful. We’ve managed to eliminate most rules except those tied to that fundamental goal to be successful. Sure, we have moments where we question whether we are too liberal in our quest to provide an adult company instead of a daycare, but upon further review we always find a way back to common sense.
Unless you’ve won the lottery you probably have to work. We try to provide a space where it is supportive, kind, energetic, motivating with freedom for self-growth without micro-management.
Anyone who has ever worked here has experienced the heart and soul of this company. We ask, “How are you? And we care about the answer. Seems simple, but it’s overlooked by most companies. May seem imposing, but it connects you to each other in a way that makes all those hours at work more meaningful. We are a family, each different but connected by a support system that is at the ready for anyone at any time. No technology will ever replace that. Not in another thirty years. Not ever.
By Bert Gurule