Last year as this time, we had high hopes that we would be able to host a leadership meeting in person. But, like most of 2020, keeping our people safe and healthy were top priorities. As we begin our first full year together as Artera, we knew how imperative it was to get our leaders together. With some creative thinking and patience, we created a virtual leadership “zoom room” to bring the team together and share the company’s goals and objectives and introduce the Artera Playbook. We knew it would be difficult to stay virtually attentive over a long period of time, so the meeting was condensed into two-hour sessions over the course of three days.
Each morning the day kicked off with a safety message. On the first day, the team shared their “what I live for” – a single photo. The visuals made it clear; family and friends are at the heart of ALL of our team members and Artera will continue to keep the health and safety of our employees, our customers, and our communities as key priorities.
On Wednesday, Casey Joyce, President of Otis Eastern, shared a safety moment centered around “Good Catch” communications and how sharing best practices and thoughtful safety ideas can help prevent and correct possible safety incidents. Sharing information is easy and empowering, which we will continue to do this year.
On Thursday, Billy Campbell, President of our Southern Gas Division, shared information on preventing motor vehicle accidents especially rear-end accidents. The core of his message was to lead by example because safety starts at the top and our reputation is always on the road. He left the team with some additional helpful ideas to help prevent accidents. You can check out Billy’s list here.
Day one focused on sharing Artera’s 2021 priorities in the areas of Safety, Financials, Gas Distribution, Gas Transmission and Electric, which all the operating companies feed into. From an Artera corporate standpoint, the priorities are Growth (smart, accretive adds), Efficiency (run the business better), Risk Management (repeatable, resilient business), and Build the Future.
On Day two, Tracy Townsend, Vice President of Construction, Compliance and Safety of Washington Gas joined our zoom room to talk about how sustainability and corporate responsibility, specifically environmental and social, are at the core of their business strategy. Her positive energy and passion for the industry enlightened our leadership team around how we all need to be good corporate citizens, for not only our company, but for the industry.
The final topic for the leadership meeting and the focus of the two following days, was the Artera Playbook. Brian Palmer, Artera’s CEO, introduced the playbook, which is focused on delivering growth and value creation across six key areas: HSE Programs, Supply Chain Scale, Talent & Engagement, Financial Discipline, Systems & Productivity, and Market & Risk Management.
For our team members, think about how your daily work, overall priorities, and ongoing deliverables align with one or more of these areas. Everything we do as a business, regardless of function or operating company, should align with where we are going as a team.
By the end of the third day, the leadership team was energized and ready to take on what lies ahead. We asked the team to describe our company in one word. Soon each leader turned off their mute button and started calling out very similar words regardless of their operating company, function or location. These words included determined, reliable, progressive, momentum, dedicated, safe, expertise, for the full list click here.
As our momentum continues – buckle up for an exciting year ahead. We’re hopeful that our 2022 leadership meeting will be held in person, but if 2020 (and into 2021) has taught us anything it’s to be flexible, adaptable and when in doubt wear a mask, wash your hands and stay 6-feet apart. Stay safe and healthy this year!
Artera is a leading provider of integrated essential and critical infrastructure services. With iron-clad operational excellence and governance practices, Artera is forging best-in class safety ratings. Together, Artera builds the foundation that keeps America strong.