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Unified Way

Our Core Fundamentals

From the beginning I have wanted Unified Defense and Prince to be different from other companies. Different in how we treat our customers, different in how we treat each other, and different in the results we achieve. These differences are best captured in the 26 “Fundamentals” that are the foundation of our unique culture. We call it, The Unified Way.

CORE VALUES

At Prince, we seek to be consistent in our relationships. Whether they be between employees or between us and our customers, we strive for each relationship to be conducted according to these same guiding principles, our five Core Values. At Prince, our Core Values aren't just words we say. They define our culture. We incorporate them into decisions daily and ask our employees to utilize them as a guide for their work. These are the Five Core Values that guide us.

SELFLESS

"It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." Harry S Truman

We ask our employees not to primarily think about their own personal gain or notice, but that they rather consider the customer and what meets their needs. We strive to operate the same way as an organization, putting our customers' needs before our own. Trying to develop partnerships over time requires some amount of selflessness but it allows our customers to know that we have their best interests at heart. At Prince, our selflessness allows our customers to know we care.

PROBLEM SOLVER

"Most people spend more time and energy going around problems than in trying to solve them" Henry Ford

We face problems every day, we don't run from them. Ignoring them doesn't help our customers and it perpetuates a culture of disregarding issues, expecting someone else to address them. We ask all members of our staff to approach problems with the mindset of solving them. We identify problems, discuss solutions and solve them, fostering a culture of solutions, an environment where problems are not obstacles but rather opportunities.

FLEXIBLE

"Be stubborn about your goals, and flexible about your methods" Anonymous

Flexibility is key to adapting to situations. At Prince, we desire a culture of flexibility as it presents the best possible environment to meet customer requirements. We ask that our staff be flexible, to adapt to issues in the moment. This flexibility allows for continuous improvement, acknowledging that our present state can always be bettered. Whether it be an office employee pitching in to help package something or a willingness to work overtime, flexibility in approach allows us to meet our customers' needs more effectively.

ETHICAL

"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do" Potter Stewart

Doing the right thing is easy to say but is not always the easiest thing to do. At Prince, making a commitment to state that one of our five core values is to be ethical is a testament to our commitment to doing things the right way. We want our customers and our team members alike to know that an ethical approach to good business is a non-negotiable standard.

CUSTOMER FOCUSED

"Focus on something the customer wants, and then deliver it" Sam Walton

What did the customer ask for? That is the most common question asked at Prince. Our customers are our lifeblood. Maintaining our focus on them allows us to realize that our customers are not after just a quality part on time but to realize and acknowledge all the subtle nuances and needs unique to each of them. Customer focus isn't just a term for us, it's a culture.

Our Fundamentals

THINK SAFE WORK SAFE

Know and practice the safety procedures for your job. Watch out for the safety of your teammates as well, for we're all part of the Unified family. Never take shortcuts that compromise your safety or that of your teammates. Keep your work area neat and organized to enhance safety.

GO THE EXTRA MILE

Be willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the job . . . plus a little bit more. Whether it's starting early, staying late, or doing something that's not in your job description, it's the extra mile that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.

BE POSITIVE

You have the power to choose your attitude. Choose to be upbeat, optimistic, and enthusiastic. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Your attitude is contagious. Spread optimism and positive energy.

ACT WITH INTEGRITY

Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing in every action you take and in every decision you make, especially when no one's looking. Always tell the truth, no matter the consequences. If you make a mistake, own up to it, apologize, and make it right.

TAKE OWNERSHIP

Take personal responsibility for making things happen. Respond to every situation by looking for how we can do it, rather than explaining why it can't be done. Be resourceful and show initiative. Don't make excuses or wait for others to solve the problem. See issues through to their completion.

BE A FANATIC ABOUT RESPONSE TIME

Respond to questions and concerns quickly, whether it's in person, on the phone, or by e-mail. This includes simply acknowledging that we got the question and we're "on it," as well as keeping those involved continuously updated on the status of outstanding issues.

HONOR COMMITMENTS

Do what you say you're going to do when you say you're going to do it. This includes being on time for all phone calls, appointments, meetings, and promises. If a commitment can't be fulfilled, notify others early and agree on a new deliverable to be honored.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

The best way to influence others is through your own example. Walk the talk. Take responsibility, both formally and informally, to coach, guide, teach, and mentor others. Share information and work together. Collaborate internally and with our customers and partners to find better solutions.

PRACTICE BLAMELESS PROBLEM-SOLVING

Demonstrate a relentless solution focus, rather than pointing fingers or dwelling on problems. Identify lessons learned and use those lessons to improve ourselves and our processes so we don't make the same mistake twice. Get smarter with every mistake. Learn from every experience.

LISTEN GENEROUSLY

Listening is more than simply "not speaking." Give others your undivided attention. Be present and engaged. Minimize distractions and let go of the need to agree or disagree. Suspend your judgment and be curious to know more, rather than jumping to conclusions. Above all, listen to understand.

SPEAK COURAGEOUSLY

Speak honestly in a way that helps to make progress. Say what you mean, and be willing to ask questions, share ideas, or raise issues that may cause conflict when it's necessary for team success. Be courageous enough to say what needs to be said. Address issues directly with those who are involved or affected.

ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT

Work from the assumption that people are good, fair, and honest, and that the intent behind their actions is positive. Set aside your own judgments and preconceived notions. Give people the benefit of the doubt.

BE A FIRE PREVENTER

Solve problems before they happen by anticipating future issues, planning for contingencies, and addressing them in advance. Work with appr opriate lead times. Preventing issues is always better than fixing them. Have a "what if" plan.

EMBRACE CHANGE AND GROWTH

What got us here isn't the same as what will get us to the next level. Get outside your comfort zone, instead of hanging on to old ways of doing things. Be excited by the possibilities that change and growth bring. Be flexible and adaptable.

BE RELENTLESS ABOUT IMPROVEMENT

Regularly evaluate the way you/we work to find ways to improve. Don't be satisfied with the status quo. "Because we've always done it that way" is not a reason. Guard against complacency. Find ways to get things done better, faster, and more efficiently.

SHOW MEANINGFUL APPRECIATION

Recognizing people doing things right is better and more effective than pointing out when they do things wrong. Regularly extend meaningful acknowledgment and appreciation — in all directions throughout our organization.

INVEST IN RELATIONSHIPS

Get to know your customers 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 work through difficult issues and challenging times more successfully.

THINK AND ACT LIKE AN OWNER

Make decisions by asking yourself, "What would I do if this were my company? What would I do if this were my own money? Will this help the company succeed?"

TREAT EACH OTHER LIKE FAMILY

Our relationships go deeper than simply being teammates at work. We genuinely care for and about each other. Whether it's a kind word during a tough stretch, a friendly smile each morning, or a helping hand in stressful times, show your compassion.

EMBRACE DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES

Be open to learning from others, no matter what role they have, and regardless of their age, background, experience, or tenure with our company. We make better decisions when we consider multiple perspectives.

BE A BRAND AMBASSADOR

We're all responsible for, and benefit from, our company's image and reputation. Consider how your actions affect our collective reputation and be a proud representative of our team and the company.

DELIVER RESULTS

While effort is important, our customers and our team expect results. Follow-up on everything and take responsibility to ensure that tasks get completed. Set high goals, use measurements to track your progress, and hold yourself accountable for achieving those results.

PITCH IN WHEREVER NECESSARY

Be willing to do the mundane and ordinary things necessary to get the job done. Nothing is beneath any of us. If you see it, do it.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS

Look for opportunities to reduce or eliminate wasted time, money, materials, and effort. Our job is to do it right and to do it fast, without sacrificing competitiveness, quality, or safety.

KEEP THINGS FUN

While our passion for excellence is real, remember that the world has bigger problems than the daily challenges that make up our work. Stuff happens. Keep perspective. Don't take things personally or take yourself too seriously. Laugh every day.

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