MESSAGE FROM CEO CLARK WHITWORTH
LEARNING AND GROWING TOGETHER
Looking back at 2015, I am amazed by all
the different ways we gave back to the
communities where we work and live. It
truly was a season of giving and service,
and I am proud to be part of such a
wonderful organization that does so much
good in the world.
As a company, we have had a great
year financially as well. Many individuals
and organizations in the Group reached
record-breaking milestones, and others
saw unprecedented growth. Indeed, it was
a great year, but we all have room to grow
and improve.
We are not just a collection of different
enterprise groups – each working to attain
its own goals and objectives. We are
the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies –
working as one. Every employee should feel
they are part of something bigger than just
the organization or department he or she
works for. I would hope that when any of
our employees has the opportunity to visit
another part of the Group – whether as a
customer or in the course of doing their job
– that they feel special because they are part
of the Group – and we go out of our way to
make them feel special.
In the coming weeks, we will have the opportunity to
participate in Who We Are 2016. Last year’s event had
a tremendous impact and stimulated our thinking. What
we learned helped us focus on the ideas, principles and
practices that are at the heart of the organization and
have made this company what it is today.
The Miller family is committed to the mission, vision, values
and guiding principles of this company, and they are
asking us to not only live these concepts but to teach and
share them with those we work with. Thirty percent of
our current full-time employees have been with the Group
for less than a year. We’re excited to have them with us,
but we can never rest and think that
there is nothing more to teach, that
there is nothing more to share about
the company’s purpose and vision.
WE ARE NOT JUST A
COLLECTION OF DIFFERENT
ENTERPRISE GROUPS, WE
ARE THE LARRY H. MILLER
GROUP OF COMPANIES WORKING AS ONE.
One of the ways we can continue to improve
is to recognize that our people come from a variety of backgrounds
and experiences and bring with them a unique perspective. That
perspective may be different than mine and yours, but it can help us
see the larger picture in a new light and help solve the problems and
challenges we face. We should always be open to listening and be
willing to learn from each other.
We are on a great trajectory. Our goal and objective is to keep
building and growing by doing things right and for the right reasons.
It takes discipline and commitment to continually strive to improve –
to be better than we were last week, last month, last year – but that’s
the only way to stay on course.
LHM Group’s Value #4: Service With more than
11,000 employees working in retail, automotive, sports,
advertising, financing, movies and more, there’s a lot
going on all the time. While growth and financial success
are definitely a priority, we also want to make the world a
better place. It’s an idea woven into the very fabric of the company.
When we serve others, we build bridges where they didn’t exist
before. It empowers us to see each transaction as a chance to
give true service and bless lives. It’s through service and giving of
ourselves that we find ways to make the ordinary extraordinary.
Enriching lives, our company’s
mission, applies to every aspect of
our lives – both at work and in our
personal lives. We can read example
after example of this from Larry’s life
in the book Behind the Drive. I hope
everyone received their copy of this
book from Gail this past December –
what a moving and inspiring gift from
her. You can find other examples of
enriching lives in the pages of this
magazine, from our Winning Spirit in
Action to the many stories of giving
and service, enriching lives is what defines this company
and sets us apart from the rest.
I’ve had the chance to grow and stretch – more than
I thought I had in me - over the past 10 months. I truly
appreciate all of your support and encouragement. I’ve
learned how important it is to take a different perspective,
to see things from a new point of view and to always look
and listen for a better way to do things. Larry used to
always quote the famous line: “When the student is ready,
the teacher appears.” In the coming year, I hope we can all
always be ready to be that student and to be that teacher
as we work together to make this Company great. WS
Discussion ideas for managers, leaders and teams:
1. In what way can you serve your coworkers to make a
difference in their lives?
2. In addition to the annual Day of Service, what ideas
do you have to provide service in the community
where you live and work?
3. What are some ways to improve the way you
serve customers? How can you make an ordinary
experience for them extraordinary?