The KNF Way
We are proud to build a culture of trust, collaboration, innovation, and quality throughout ONE KNF. Across the organization, our global culture is defined by the LEITBILD principle. At KNF USA, we further defined the meaning of LEITBILD by introducing The KNF Way in 2016. We practice these behaviors throughout our daily work. By keeping our culture at the forefront of everything we do, we ensure that we have a chance to practice and improve on these Fundamentals in the spirit of LEITBILD.
1. Do the right thing, always.
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.
2. Take ownership.
Take personal responsibility for making things happen – somehow, someway. make up our work. Keep perspective. Laugh every day.
4. Share information.
Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Learn to ask yourself, "Who else needs to know this?" The more people know, the better we can collaborate, and the better we can serve our customers.
5. Make the customer your primary agenda.
Put serving the customer’s interest at the center of all decisions. Find ways to make working with KNF easier.
6. Practice blameless problem-solving.
Just fix it. Apply your creativity and enthusiasm to developing solutions, rather than pointing fingers or dwelling on problems. Learn from every experience.
8. Be a fanatic about response time.
People expect us to 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.
9. Honor commitments.
There’s no better way to earn people’s trust than to be true to your word. Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it.
10. Get clear on expectations.
People judge us not by what happens, but how it compared to what they expected to happen. Create clarity and avoid misunderstandings by discussing expectations upfront.
12. Speak straight.
Speak honestly in a way that moves action forward. 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.
13. Be relentless about improvement.
Don’t be satisfied with the status quo. “Because we’ve always done it that way” is not a reason. Be proactive and find ways to get things done better, faster, and more efficiently.
14. Think team first.
There’s no such thing as one person or one department succeeding and another falling short. We win and lose as a team.
15 . Create a great impression.
Pay attention to every interaction to make sure that you’re displaying a tone of friendliness, warmth, helpfulness, and authenticity.
17. Use best practices.
Follow our operating procedures to ensure consistency and high performance. Recommend opportunities for process improvement. Strong processes are the foundation of organizational effectiveness.
18. Lead by example.
Take responsibility, both formally and informally, to coach, guide, teach, and mentor others. The best way to influence others is through your own example.
19. Invest in relationships.
Everything we do is built on trust and trust is built on relationships. Make smart decisions that enhance long-term relationships with customers, suppliers, team members, and the community.
20. Go the extra mile.
Be willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the job… plus a little bit more. It’s the extra mile that separates the average person from the superstar. Be a superstar.
22. Deliver results.
While we appreciate effort, we reward and celebrate results. Stay focused and follow through on everything. Set stretch goals, use measurements to track your progress, and hold yourself accountable for achieving results.
23. Embrace change.
What got us here is not the same as what will get us to the next level. Be open to new approaches, including trying on new perspectives or points of view. Be adaptable.
24. Work smart.
Do your homework and be prepared. Solve problems before they happen by anticipating future issues, planning for contingencies, and addressing them in advance. Think things through.
26. Be willing to sweep the floors.
The road to success isn’t always fun and isn’t always easy. Success comes mostly from doing ordinary things with extraordinary consistency.
27. Walk in others' shoes
Understand both your internal and external customers’ world. Know their challenges and frustrations. Show "business empathy" by thinking from their perspective.
28. "Bring it" every day.
Make the most of each day by approaching every task with energy, focus, purpose, and enthusiasm.
29. Always ask why.
Be curious and question what you don’t understand. Healthy, vigorous debate creates better solutions.
32. Assume positive intent.
Work from the assumption that people’s intentions are good, and that the thought behind their actions is positive. Choose to be positive, and spread optimism.
33. 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. Keep perspective. Laugh every day.
