We have been discussing three values on this blog: integrity, competence and entrepreneurship. I am adding a fourth value to this list: relationships.
Yankee Farm Credit has always been a relationship lender. We value our customers as people. Our mission statement says that we will "contribute to prosperous, productive agriculture by enhancing the income and well-being of farmer members...by providing them with a dependable source of sound, constructive, and market-responsive credit and financial services..." Our loan officers and financial services representatives strive to meet the needs of the customer, as well as the association's needs.
Like the other three values, we also apply this value both internally and externally. Relationships are not only important with the customer, but also with each other as employees. Working together, teamwork, cooperation and caring for each other as individuals (and as members of families outside Farm Credit) are important aspects of our culture. Both within the organization and with our customers.
Where does "relationships" fit in the list of values? Integrity is still the #1 value. Relationships come next, ahead of competence. This line from a PricewaterhouseCoopers advertisement says it best: "Customers don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." (Thanks, John, for suggesting this line.)
The list of values is now: integrity, relationships, competence, entrepreneurship.
Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
