2024 Ethos Award Winner of the Year
At Cengage Group, we are driven by our Credo and Ethos. They are our guiding principles, which define our why and how and are the foundation to our company culture.
As a celebration of the important role our ethos plays in shaping how our 4,000+ employees approach the work they do each day, each month, we recognize an employee or group of employees who embody these core values and go above and beyond in their role. “The goal of our Ethos Award is to drive a high-performance culture tied directly to our Ethos,” explains Andrew T., who manages the program. “Throughout the year, eligible employees nominate a colleague or group of colleagues for the award. Each month, a cross-functional selection committee reviews the nominations and names one Ethos Award Winner, as well as two runners-up. At the end of each fiscal year, an ‘Ethos Award Winner of the Year’ is named.”
This year, Steve R., Maintenance Mechanic Electrician, was named 2024 Ethos Award Winner of the Year! Based at our distribution center in Kentucky, Steve does it all from replacing blown bulbs to repairing electrical components and troubleshooting large machines. He is always jumping in wherever help is needed.
Sonny A., Senior Director of Distribution, who nominated Steve for this award, described him as an exceptional individual who possesses a remarkable work ethic. He shared that “Steve is always willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Whether it's taking on additional tasks, working long hours or stepping in to help his colleagues, he consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to his work. What truly sets Steve apart is his positive attitude and infectious smile.”
Sonny continued to share that, “regardless of the challenges he faces, Steve approaches them with enthusiasm and a genuine happiness for what he does. His positive energy not only uplifts those around him but also creates a pleasant and motivating work environment. Steve's dedication, willingness to go the extra mile and ability to maintain a positive outlook are qualities that embody the spirit of the Ethos award. He serves as an inspiration to his colleagues, demonstrating the importance of hard work, teamwork and a positive attitude.”
Steve admitted that when he heard he had been named Ethos Award Winner of the Year, he was completely blown away. “To be recognized by my fellow workmates is such an honor and a wonderful experience. I’m still on cloud 9 as they say!”
After working at Cengage Group for over six years, Steve continues to stay motivated day after day. He shared that “meeting deadlines helps keep me focused on pace of work and completion being on time. Lots of people count on systems and projects being up and running for production work to be accomplished. I don’t want to let anyone down or be the cause of my fellow workers not being able to perform their work.” He added, “as far as drive goes, I enjoy what I do here at Cengage Group, and I enjoy the people that I work with. I take pride in trying to the best of my ability, performing good work and working hard.”
For those aspiring to be high performers who make significant impacts in their roles, Steve believes you have to be self-motivated, caring, focused, quality minded and a positive thinker. “Negative attitudes and complaining are like poison. Always try to come to work with a positive attitude and a smile. Doing this will allow you to work through problems faster and easier. Focus on what you can control, not on what you can’t control or on what others are doing. Give 100% into whatever you are doing.” Steve emphasized that continuous learning and professional development are also keys to being a high performer. “It’s easy to become complacent or stagnant. In my mind, the more I learn and develop, the more I can help my workmates and keep production going. Plus, I feel strengthening my skills and deepening my knowledge makes me a stronger asset to Cengage Group.”
Although Steve believes it’s important to give 100% at work, he also believes in giving 100% at home, which he admits can be tough at times. “I try to leave work at work, so to speak, and give my family uninterrupted attention when I’m home. I’m fortunate though to have a wife, Rene’, who understands the seasonal demands and is willing to take care of things that I may not be able to get to right away. It’s all about finding a healthy balance that works for you.”
When Steve isn’t working, he enjoys playing golf, and in the colder months he enjoys the challenge of large puzzles. “Now that my wife and I are empty nesters, camping (or glamping) has become something we try to do periodically throughout the year. I also enjoy hanging out and laughing with friends.”
Congratulations, Steve, on being a shining example of our Ethos here at Cengage Group.
Learn More:
Learn more about what it's like to work at Cengage Group and read about the 2022 and 2023 Ethos Award Winners.