Values

To fulfill its mission (“bring to each customer a specific and efficient methological support in order to meet improvement goals”), Ydeo relies on 5 main values (Confidence, Audaciousness, Realism, Positive thought and Empathy) whose initials compose the acronym “CARPE” like in the Latin aphorism “carpe diem !” (seize the day !) beloved by the Epicureans (the hedonists, not the orthodox point of view). These 5 values are the basis, the DNA on which Ydeo was built and keeps on growing day by day. These values are not only claims, they really determine the firm’s decisions as well as the targets for its development strategy. They stand for commitments.

Confidence : confidence is crucial for the contractual relationship between Ydeo and its customers. Of course, Ydeo commits itself to respect the confidentiality clauses and, if needed and specified in the contract, exclusiveness. The credibility of a “consultant – auditor” also needs to avoid any position of “judge and party”. Ydeo is an independent firm and rigorously demonstrates complete transparency in its management. To be trustworthy, you have to deserve it! … Conversely, Ydeo expects its customers to share the same kind of values and to respect ethical rules. At last, confidence is a key ingredient to succeed.

Audaciousness : “dare discovery”, “dare the change”, “dare innovation”, “dare ambitious objectives”, “dare overcoming”… “Fortune favors the bold” said Virgil ! “The first quality of the pathway is bravery” said Gandhi. Going forward is already boldness as it is refusing immobilism. The walk is nothing but a series of ahead controlled falls and Ydeo’s mission consists in helping find the appropriate imbalance to go ahead without stumbling, the moving balance.Boldness is also required to meet what’s stranger to us, what’s unknown, but in the end, the experience shows these encounters give the most valuable rewards leading to the success. Whatever happens, one always needs the other’s help and the most deserving achievements are collective !

Realism : to offset the boldness, we must keep our heads and avoid utopianism. Ideals too demanding lead to disappointment and depression (such as the requirements to become a man in the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling). Like the realistic art movement had replaced romantism in the 19^th century, the idea here is to avoid fantasizing reality. Pragmatism(one day-to-day translation could be “flexible about how, but tough on targets”) is essential. 15 years experience in business leads to knowing how to distinguish theory from “real life”, with its exemptions that can jeopardize a management system yet efficient and robust on the paper.It is also the communication of procedures down to the final operator that’s key to the success of a management system as a whole. This is the last link in the chain that bears the effectiveness of the entire system. A touch of empiricismis often necessary and for that experience is irreplaceable.Realism is also : avoid over-quality (is that specific quality feature perceived by internal or external customer?), accept the “80/20″ when it makes sense rather than focusing on 100%, challenge the needs, think efficiency and consider the return on investment and quality for price paid.At last, realism is dealing with discrepancy (and being able to arbitrate it) as long as there’s no inconsistency according to the overall ambition (keep the direction).

Positive Thought : Success (happiness, luck, fortune) is primarily a mental attitude. The mythic Sisyphus will keep on pushing his rock as long as he believes in his chances to succeed and acknowledges the entire journey done so far. The key point is to consider that the system put in place moves towards the improvement way, thanks to the “Plan / Do / Check / Act” cycle (see Deming Wheel in the PRESENTATION part) … To sum up, don’t strive for perfection(“zero defect does not exist”), but each day be better than yesterday.

Empathy : listening to each other, developing a real active listening to understand clients’ implicit and explicit expectations and so being able to meet them, that is the definition of quality. Thanks to the experience of several years spent managing Bledina (Danone’s French Baby Division) call center with its challenging promise (“alongside all monthers”), Ydeo developed its own ability to listen. Listening is an attitude (empathy), but also requires technical skills (rewording, active listening, etc.). This expertise is key to determine the real needs expressed by the customer and also to perform “audits” (hence the name). In the end, listening gives the opportunity to benefit from others’ experiences and so brings accelerated self improvement. Together we’ll always be smarter than a brilliant yet isolated brain !