Paradigm is an approach, a path, a direction, or a way of accomplishing something. In our case the 'paradigm' refers to the approach we choose (this is a daily, ongoing set of choices for all within Paradigm) for building, maintaining, and evolving our business within the industry of federal government support services. The path chosen by the initial and still present founders of Paradigm stemmed largely from experience and lessons learned from working with Department of Defense clients, but more importantly from observing and being on the receiving end of business practices of other companies. Frequently these practices left us, as employees, questioning the integrity and values of these businesses. We wanted a different way.

We desired a direction free from the anxiety generated by these practices that would result in a peace of mind akin to the sense of peace one has when they arrive at home at the end of the day. Paradigm should be a business 'home'. The next question for us was, what should this home be made from? That answer, generated more than ten years ago, is the same answer today.

Paradigm is People, Values, Purpose, and Leadership.

People are most important. People are the company. No other building blocks exist without them. They are Paradigm's engine and its heart. This is true whether we are 5 people or 500.

We are selective in terms of whom we bring into our business home. We look for certain proven qualities. We search to identify people who demonstrate the following qualities: engaged, communicators, passionate, curious, prioritizers, timely, humble, patient, supportive and caring of others, selfless, confident, adaptive, creative, thinking ahead, and aware of the constantly evolving environment.

Values guide how we view and act within the working world we participate in each day. Paradigm seeks to set a new standard for professional services companies - a standard characterized by the highest possible level of dedication to our employees and clients.

The Paradigm family/team is a group of professionals who are prepared to make the clients' issues and problems their own; who value, above all else, honesty, integrity, and responsibility; who are motivated to take on new challenges and expand their knowledge; and who treat others with respect.

This group of professionals is Paradigm's most important asset and Paradigm's leadership views the support, reward and development of these professionals as its primary responsibility. When professionals are provided with a supportive environment they will succeed, the company will be successful and our paradigm for professional service will expand.

Our values include these commitments:

• We will always be ethical and forthright with each other, our customers, and anyone else with whom we have contact.
• We will commit ourselves to the success, prosperity and security of the United States and its citizens, personnel and agents.
• We believe and practice the sharing of information and knowledge with one another. Information is not power. Providing information makes us powerful.
• We will not judge others but instead be the model of professionalism and helpfulness.
• We will demonstrate compassion for fellow employees, customers, and the society in which we live.
• Our performance and the best interests of our customers will fuel the growth of our company.
• We grow to provide opportunities for employees.
• We will demonstrate volunteerism on a daily basis.
• We will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our client organizations (we succeed if they succeed).
• We strive to be a contributing part of the fabric of our customer organizations.
• There is something to learn from everyone.
• We will share the financial earnings of Paradigm with those who produce those earnings based on their performance.

Purpose

Integrity and accountability first: Above all else, we will be honest in all of our dealings. We will seek out responsibility so that we may demonstrate our ability to help our customers succeed. We are not just innovative thinkers. We are innovative, accountable doers.

Create fans out of our customers: While we may satisfy our customer's requirements today, a competitor could do the same tomorrow. Our barometer of service success is to turn our customers into loyal fans. Fans will talk about us with others leading to additional opportunities because we have demonstrated our understanding and sustained high quality contribution to their mission.

Opportunity from change: Frequent mission and organizational change is an important reality within the government support services industry. We will welcome, anticipate, prepare with our customers, and act upon change that matters. With change comes new opportunities to broaden, deepen, or even augment our applied capabilities. We will seek out change to turn change into opportunity for the benefit of the customer and the people of Paradigm.

Leadership is the fourth element of our paradigm. Leadership means being able to exert power and influence. While this is the definition of leadership, our goal of leading is not aimed to serve the self or ego. Paradigm professionals are leaders because of their desire to give and apply what they know to solve client problems and improve mission performance. Paradigm leadership comes from being accountable and depended upon. At Paradigm, we only succeed if we lead in this servant-oriented way.

Paradigm Managers lead by supporting employees for whom they are responsible and by paving the way for employee empowerment and success. Paradigm’s organization is inverted with the most important leaders being those employees who directly support our customers. Given this emphasis:

Paradigm employees lead by example by providing communicative, collaborative, consistent, expert customer service.

Paradigm managers' primary purpose is to remove roadblocks, teach where needed, and create opportunities for current and new Paradigm professionals.

Paradigm corporate infrastructure will exist only to add value for the managers and staff who are supporting customers.

Paradigm leadership will continuously build upon our growing expertise, client experience, and business relationships to create new business service opportunities.

Summary

Paradigm’s four primary elements are:

People as priority, anchored by Values, with Purpose, and acting as Leaders in service to others. For us to effectively navigate and move forward, we must remain aware and apply all four of these critical resources.