The Vessel Way
First Edition
November 2021
CORE BEHAV IORS LE ADERSHIP BEHAV IORS
So, the Vessel Way is a journal of sorts, documenting who we are at a point in time and there for us to look back upon in reflection as we advance toward a shared future. We offer our story with gratitude for the role you will inevitably play in helping shape its next chapters.
BELIEFS
The Vessel Way has been meticulously designed but is always being redesigned as we travel the path toward achievement of our Purpose. We learn from each other every day and we use those learnings to tweak our Beliefs and Behaviors, just as the navigation system in your car might take note of an obstacle ahead and reroute.
PURPOSE
Vessel is each of us — unique, diverse, independent — brought together based on a common Purpose (our “north star”) and a set of deeply held Beliefs (our system of navigation). That Purpose and those Beliefs proscribe the ways in which we conduct ourselves and interact with each other, which we describe as our Behaviors. Together, our Purpose, our Beliefs and our Behaviors form our culture, known as the Vessel Way.
INTRODUC TION
What’s Vessel?
Our Purpose
Vessel exists… To afford communities the space to thrive, and to offer each of their residents an equal opportunity for an extraordinary life. PURPOSE
To develop this built environment without damage to the natural environment. To bring innovation to an industry that wants for imagination.
BELIEFS
And, to harness our vast capabilities to secure the foundation of human dignity.
CORE BEHAV IORS LE ADERSHIP BEHAV IORS
Our Beliefs
We are guided to achieving our Purpose by our belief in the power of… Passion Optimism Restlessness BELIEFS
Wild imagination A methodical process, and
CORE BEHAV IORS
The strength we draw from each other
LE ADERSHIP BEHAV IORS
Our Behaviors
We are thankfully unalike in so many ways, but if you are one of us, you… Love what you do Are a clutch player Do the right thing Are a Believer Act like an Owner
Mobilize a team Take the Wheel
LE ADERSHIP BEHAV IORS
Have a plan
CORE BEHAV IORS
We look to you to lead us, and when you do, you…
LOVE WHAT YOU DO
Approach work with passion, enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Wear a smile and offer a laugh. Enthusiastically embrace a challenge.
LE ADERSHIP BEHAV IORS
Take pride in your contribution.
CORE BEHAV IORS
Meet resistance with positivity and determination.
ARE A CLUTCH PLAYER
Show up. Produce high-quality work. Live up to your commitments. Support your teammates. Learn from your mistakes. CORE BEHAV IORS
Own the outcome.
LE ADERSHIP BEHAV IORS
DO THE RIGHT THING
Act with integrity. Tell the truth. Don’t take shortcuts. Admit your mistakes.
CORE BEHAV IORS
Show respect for your colleagues, customers, investors, suppliers and other stakeholders.
LE ADERSHIP BEHAV IORS
ARE A BELIEVER
Believe in yourself. Believe in your team. Believe in the Vessel Way. Make it contagious among your colleagues. CORE BEHAV IORS
Shout it from the rooftop.
LE ADERSHIP BEHAV IORS
ACT LIKE AN OWNER
Accept the sacrifice that our hard work entails. Leave your legacy. Relish the victories. Weather the storm. CORE BEHAV IORS LE ADERSHIP BEHAV IORS
WE LOOK TO YOU TO LEAD US, AND WHEN YOU DO...
HAVE A PLAN
Keep sight of our larger strategic objectives. Exhibit thoughtfulness and diligence in developing action plans.
LE ADERSHIP BEHAV IORS
MOBILIZE A TEAM
Think strategically about personnel needs. Exhibit thoughtfulnesss and care in defining roles and responsibilities. Act diligently to recruit talented teammates. Set clear expectations.
Act decisively when things aren’t working out.
LE ADERSHIP BEHAV IORS
Build a sense of community, security and morale.
TAKE THE WHEEL
When things are going well, double down. Anticipate problems before they become crises. Offer options (not problems). When necessary, pivot.
LE ADERSHIP BEHAV IORS
The Vessel Way Forward Cultural membership can be cozy; it is like a blanket that we can wrap ourselves in, knowing we are safe. That feeling of security gives us the confidence to be our “best selves” and show our “true selves.” So, as much as culture keeps us close to home, it also gives us strength to venture out, because we know we have a firm foundation beneath us. Vessel made the decision to invest early as a young company in defining its culture because we wanted to establish that foundation from the very beginning and establish a rock-solid foundation for growth. If we are to achieve our Purpose, each of us must exhibit our Behaviors. We need to be our best selves and true selves. Whether you are a Vessel “vet,” and have read this book many times, or are new to our team, please keep in mind that the principles it contains are more important than any business plan we could write or strategy we could develop. The Vessel Way is the foundation of all of that. It’s our destination and the system we depend upon to get us there. It’s our way forward.