--Robert Kennedy

Robert Kennedy was a man of ideals. His was a life full of promise. He was a man for all mankind. Though his life was cut short, his ideals live on.

A part of Robert Kennedy lives in us. His ideals survive in all that look beyond the obvious. For those who reach within themselves to help others find that you help yourself.

His ideals live in Ivanhoe's purpose and values statement. As Kim Groves stated, "We are touching lives."

I was a bit concerned about joining Ivanhoe because of the "TEAM" atmosphere that is continually stressed. Coming from a commercial production background, I was not acquainted with a team atmosphere. My world consisted of highly creative individuals. People who were very good at one thing. You did your job and hoped that everyone else did his as well as you. No one individual had complete control of the final product. You were just a piece of the puzzle. Few were aware of what the final product would look like. There was no real teamwork involved.

Having interviewed the people at Ivanhoe, I gained an insight into the ideals that you are trying to instill. Along the way I discovered a theme that permeates through all of Ivanhoe's employees.

In order to belay my concerns of the "team" concept at Ivanhoe, I ditched the prepared questions and opted for some that would reference individualism. It was readily apparent from John Cherry, President of Sales, to Whitney Bruggeman, Intern, that working within the team framework at Ivanhoe does not suppress individualism, but, in most cases it promotes a persons sense of self.

"I think it expands individual thought." Mary Shearod
"At Ivanhoe, Individualism is Rewarded." John Cherry
"You are bouncing ideas off people, not against them." Mary Zagers White
"Everyone has a part. You have space to express yourself." Stacy
"Hey, that's what I-Power is all about!" Kim Groves

I also asked about each person's career background, trying to find a common bond or trend whether or not they had experienced a team framework similar to Ivanhoe. I received a resounding "NO" from everyone. Now, I knew that those with a television background would have the same bitter view of "teamwork" as I do. What I did not expect was that everyone would share that view.

"Your input does matter."
"I can always get my point out there."
"One person can have an impact on the team."
"There is less chance of failure because of the support system."

I was also curious as to why people chose to work for Ivanhoe. Myself, well, with a production and news background it is a good match. Others, though, have some interesting reasons. One said that after reading the employee booklet "It was like- WOW!" Some knew either Marjorie or Bette and knew the kind of benefits Ivanhoe provided. One story involved the Wall Street Journal and an article on "Bring a pet to work day." Another employee had met Marjorie six years ago and was told that when you get tired of being a reporter and you are interested in a company that stresses "quality not quantity," call me.

So, it appears that Ivanhoe and its employees have ideals that coincide with mine -- a work place comprised of individuals forming a team consistent with a mission. As Anne Booth, Corporate Concierge, said, "We are making life changes. We are making a difference."

Now, I know you are wondering, "Where in the hell did he come up with the Kennedy quote and how is he going to tie it in to the end of this report." Well, during the interviews I asked everyone to tell me the single most interesting ideal that they draw courage from. It could come from a book, an advertisement, a poem, a poster, anything. Just something that they remind themselves of when they are in a tough spot. I got some great quotes.

"Luck is a combination of preparation and opportunity.
"You get what you give."
"How high I aim, How much I see, How far I reach, Depends on me."
"Believe in yourself."
"For every action there is a reaction or consequence."

But, it was a quote from Elizabeth Buchanan, Executive Producer, that opened the door for this report. In the fifth grade, she said, her teacher would write quotes on the chalkboard for the students to write down in a quote book. There was one, however, that Elizabeth recalls fondly.

It was this quote that reminded me of a poster my mother bought for me in 1969. The poster was an enlarged black and white print of a man standing on a beach looking out over the ocean. He appeared to be at peace with himself, yet, worried about the future. Maybe for his family, himself or a nation. Anyway, I kept it through many moves and learned to read what was printed on the side of poster. I think I was 17 when it made sense to me. And I adopted it as a motto for myself.

--Robert Kennedy

In a way, I believe that is what Ivanhoe tries to instill in its' employees.

Thanks,
Glenn F. Dickson