Investing In Culture First: DEPCOM's PBM Journey
6 MIN
Leaders of a newly acquired Koch company made a key decision early on — and that made all the difference.
When DEPCOM’s leadership began learning about Principle Based Management soon after joining Koch, they were faced with a choice: dig into PBM immediately, or wait to get more settled.
The team made the choice to invest in their culture right away, using our framework of proven principles to help them identify opportunities and overcome obstacles.
Applying Principle Based Management transformed the way they worked — from selecting and managing projects, to empowering their teams.
Five years later, through several turning points and struggles, they reflect on their results: record years, happier customers, and a stronger business foundation.
Their message to other teams faced with a similar choice?
"Start learning and applying PBM as soon as you can. The results are real."
DEPCOM Power supports utility-scale solar and energy storage projects from concept through long-term operations and service. Founded in 2014, DEPCOM Power now delivers some of the largest and most complex renewable projects in the country.
Give It a Try
The power of these principles happens through application. There’s no substitute for learning as you apply.
- Group exercise: Imagine you are part of a video like this one a year from now. Write a few "headlines of the future" that tell a story of transformation your team would like to accomplish. Then identify actions that might get you there.
- Who (individuals or groups) is downstream from your work? What would happen if you involved them earlier or engaged with them collaboratively?
- What were some things holding back the DEPCOM team back at first? What were some of the principles that unlocked their transformation?
- What principles could help you empower the people or teams you work with to enable them to produce better results?
- How should we ensure accountability without creating a culture of blame?
- What was a recent example where someone acted with integrity, even though it was difficult?
