My Reflection On Andela’s EPIC Values

Andela’s Boot camp kicked off yesterday and we, the boot-campers, were briefed on a few things. One of the things we were spoken to about was Andela’s EPIC values; the four major pillars that the organization was built upon. These values are Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration. Prior to now, I saw these words as just a catchphrase (or catchwords). But we were made to understand that true Andelans have to imbibe these values in their everyday lives, not just as programmers, but as people too. I don’t plan to be any different.
Excellence:
I must work towards being the best possible version of myself at whatever stage of growth I find myself in. No half measures; I go all the way or I don’t go at all. With this life approach, impossible is nothing. Every obstacle will be viewed only as an opportunity to grow. When I am given a task I try to deliver way above expectation.
Passion:
“I believe I can change the world and act accordingly…”
As someone that believes he will impact change to the world positively, I must constantly seek to learn. When blockers are encountered, I will not let them discourage my will. When a fellow Andelan is faced with blockers, I join forces with him/her to overcome the blocker in question. No mountain will stop my progress.
Integrity:
I must stay true to my values, and the values of the organization. I must do the right thing always. No shortcuts, I must go about every task put before me the way I ought to. When a situation occurs around me that is against my values or that of the organization, I bring it up and discuss it with all parties involved. If the situation persists, I discuss it with the appropriate authorities.
Collaboration:
I do not know it all; neither does any of my peers. In order to change the world, I must work together with my peers, filling my gaps and helping to fill theirs. It is not worth it if we do not grow together. I am not an island. When faced with a challenge I reach out for help if I am finding difficult to resolve that challenge. When approached for help by a colleague, I unwaveringly offer all the help I can give.
We learned yesterday that there’s a ‘Cm’ too…Commitment
Commitment:
I am committed to delivering on any task put before me above expectations. I am committed to achieving all my goals, present, and future. I am determined to change the world, I am determined to grow, I am determined to be better today than I was yesterday.
All these values I hope to match and surpass as an Andelan. Thank you for reading.