Commitment to Employee Development Results in Long-Term Growth and Success

The Challenge: The
supportive work environment at Ulbrich results in low employee
turnover. In fact, some employees (like the Ulbrich family) are
multiple generation family members. Most management opportunities are
filled from within. With this steady and skilled workforce and the
company positioned for continuous growth, the professional development
of Ulbrich’s supervisors, managers and executives became a necessary
investment in order to maintain the success of the business.

The Process: For
over 20 years, the executive team used the behavioral assessment tool
Predictive Index (PI) as a management, providing key insights into
aligning the right people with the right jobs, resulting in a positive
impact on both the company and its employees. Mary Ulbrich Merlini,
Vice President of Corporate Communications and Education, and daughter
of Richard Ulbrich, joined the company in 1988. Her primary focus was
to develop and strengthen the manager’s “people skills” which included
improved internal communication and employee professional development.
During her training in PI, Mary immediately realized the additional
benefits the Predictive Index could offer the organization beyond the
executive ranks, especially for middle managers and supervisors. When
Mary recommended to senior management expanding the usage of the PI to
help these managers understand their own motivational and communication
style of leadership, they agreed.

The
knowledge from the training provided managers with information
regarding what motivated their team for everyday productivity and
success. Sharing the PI results with individual team members helped
employees gain a better understanding of why they enjoy certain
tasks/projects while not enjoying others, as well as why they may work
well with one manager but not another.Communication increased
significantly from their use of PI.

The Results: Ulbrich
Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc. has surpassed many other
steel companies by not only staying in business, but by experiencing
growth. Ulbrich is strong today and continues to expand. At the recent
groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion project at their main plant in
Wallingford, CT, the Governor of Connecticut, Jodi Rell, acknowledged
Ulbrich as a role model for businesses in the state of Connecticut.
What makes them so successful? People. Ulbrich’s commitment to the
success and development of their employees and the employees’
dedication to the company make them a company to admire.