I mentioned a great idea that I wish I’d thought of earlier in the week.  I have been asked several times what it was, so here it is: The comment was made by our HR Manager that her expectation was that someone in a growth position must be exceptional.  When we review their performance, they should easily stand out as a great performer and it should be obvious that they deserve a raise for their accomplishments and personal growth.  For us, growth positions are specifically those related to revenue growth and product engineering.  That is our lifeblood and the limiting factor to our overall growth.  Her expectation that these individuals need to all be performing at a high level for us to succeed is brilliant!  She even went so far as to ask why we would tolerate anything else, when these areas are so critical to our future.  That is a big time realization and one that will shape our culture from within.