5/21/05 06:03 pm - I <3 MetaFilter
Yay!
Hello
Welcome to G---- W------- -- the world's best manufacturer of metal and plastic m---------- and publisher of table top w------- systems.
The next few pages should answer some of your questions and give you all the information you need to settle into G---- W------- quickly.
First, a bit about where we come from. From humble origins, G---- W------- now spans the globe with businesses on every continent except South America. Where once the sun never set on the British Empire, now the sun never sets on a G---- W------- store. We have over 2,500 employees in factories, warehouses, studios, offices, and shops worldwide.
It's a great success story -- and the thing that maintains that success story is the attitude all our staff have at work. The attitude you have.
G---- W------- is a characterful and unusual place to work -- and, being blunt, it doesn't suit everybody. We're enthusiastic about the company and the products we make. We love them and we tell anyone who cares to listen just that. We have no time for cynics, whiners or time wasters. We focus very hard on quality both with our products and customer service. We never forget that the hobbyists who buy our products pay our wages. We like to solve problems our own way and will expect high standards of both work and effort. If a job needs doing no one is too proud to muck in and help do it.
Survival Tips
Having said all that I ought to give you a few tips that will help you survive the first few hectic months.
Firstly, be honest and natural. All we want is your full commitment to the company and the people in it. Don't try to impress people, don't pretend to be what you are not -- you will be found out. If you can't do something, say so. There's no shame in it. If you can do something, volunteer.
Secondly, be loyal. To begin with this is not a two way street. We demand your loyalty right from day one. As time goes by and you prove yourself you will find the company will be loyal to you.
Thirdly, it is worth finding out about the hobby. Find out why so many of our staff are obsessed by it. I'm not saying you have to learn to play and paint if you don't already, although that wouldn't hurt, but it will be very useful to educate yourself about what goes on and why.
Fourthly, don't confuse our casual dress code and relaxed manner with sloppy standards in thought or behavior.
Finally, don't be put off by the fact that most of the staff don't 'switch off' from work in the evenings. Remember that they love what they do and it would be cruel to ask them not to talk about work at any time. In fact it would be better if you got in the habit of doing so.
Training
In a company as unusual as G---- W-------, it isn't possible to guarantee that we will train you in everything you will need to do your job as well as we expect -- but we will try. We have staff whose sole interest is your development -- get to know who they are and make sure they know what you think you do.
Prospects
There are almost unlimited promotion prospects for those who truly want them and show the right capabilities and devotion to the company. Only your attitude and your abilities will determine who well you get on -- nothing else matters.
What is in your heart is paramount -- it's all here if you really want it.