Article By Ingram's Business Magazine.
Finkle + Williams Architects might be in the business of designing memorable buildings, but the Overland Park-based firm’s management also hopes to create leaders. “Although we provide regular professional development opportunities and encourage (as well as financially support) our co-workers who are committed to serving in leadership positions in various professional and community organizations, we view leadership as a more fundamental human characteristic,” said co-owner Greg Finkle. “People want to follow those who are thoughtful toward others, have a strong work ethic and contribute to the success of a project or common goal in meaningful ways. We look for people who have the potential to be difference-makers and then try to create opportunities for them to make an impact.” Part of the way Finkle + Williams does that is through leadership training and tuition and certification reimbursement.
Management views the investment in employees the same as investing in the company’s heath and stresses the motto: “When one person is flourishing, we all benefit.” A lot of that has to do with a mindset of putting others first and trusting employees to make their own decisions. In addition, there are no company titles. “It’s the equivalent of not having our names on our jerseys!” Finkle says. “In addition, we try to give everyone a voice and recognize people individually for the value they contribute to the firm.”
Meanwhile, that philosophy of helping others achieve is done outside the workplace as well. Greg Finkle is also one of the founders of Giving Grove, an endeavor that plants fruit trees in communities with poor access to fresh foods. Employees named several perks working for Finkle + Williams in a recent company survey. The firm has a free workout facility, flexible PTO and time to get projects completed. There are also several company events and outings, as well as office lunches. On the benefits end, the company pays for 85 percent of employee medical premiums, including family plans and offers tuition assistance for licensing programs and community volunteering and leadership education. “They make you feel appreciated and valued,” one employee said.
Article By Ian Ritter
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