Marina Maher Communications has sought to distance itself from a "me-too" approach to its client work and understands that the only way to deliver on its credo of “world class talent wins the race” is to follow this simple formula: hire talent, reward it, keep it and watch it flourish. And the best way to follow that formula is to be there for your staff when they need you and get out of their way when they don’t.
“We believe that all jobs are important at MMC and everyone contributes to the good of the organization,” says Debra Gaynor, MMC’s chief business strategist. “MMC employees understand from day one that the agency has a team-oriented, collaborative and respectful culture. Senior leaders from the CEO down live this culture and expect it of others. Teamwork is integrated into both agency and account structures, and is evaluated and rewarded.”
Examples of this integration of teamwork concepts include:
Empowerment and enforcement: Staff meet by level monthly and are charged with facilitating compliance of best practices throughout the agency. These meetings also empower teams and allow them to share insights and knowledge across accounts.
Dedication to staff development and training: MMC offers a Masters Program designed to help staff grow professionally and personally; the agency has a $500,000 annual budget for this program.
Clear direction: Team member participation is clearly defined as, and reinforced at, weekly team meetings.
Contribution to the community: The agency sponsors MMC for a Cause, an ongoing charity effort that provides staffers an opportunity to participate in a variety of charitable programs throughout the year. The program was formalized in 2007 in response to employees’ increasing desire to give back to the community.
Reward and recognition: The agency frequently comes together for “Welcome to MMC” breakfasts, “cocktails with the CEO,” agency summer scavenger hunts, a Halloween and holiday party. One of the most popular events of the year is the Agency ASTA Awards (named after the agency mascot, ASTA the dog) to recognize and reward those individuals who have gone above and beyond what is expected of them.
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| The Marina Maher Communications team. |