Array Employee Guidelines
These guidelines are the foundation of our culture and how we operate at Array. They ensure a professional, efficient, and respectful workplace for everyone—our team, our partners, and our clients.
1. Treat Colleagues and Clients with Respect
This is our bedrock principle. A toxic attitude can destroy team morale and client relationships faster than any technical issues.
Many members of the Array team, including its founder, previously spent significant time designing and maintaining complex systems for Amazon and its subsidiary accounts. In those high-pressure, high-stakes environments, One of Amazons Subsidiaries CEO instituted the "No Assholes" rule as a necessity. It wasn't about being nice; it was about operational integrity. When critical systems are on the line, you can't afford to have ego, hostility, or unprofessional behavior clouding judgment or disrupting communication. We carry that pragmatic, zero-tolerance approach to disrespect forward at Array.
Internal Conduct: Every member of the Array team deserves to be treated with dignity, courtesy, and professional respect. This means listening actively, valuing diverse opinions, offering constructive feedback (not criticism), and celebrating each other's successes. We have zero tolerance for condescension, passive aggression, bullying, or any form of discrimination. We succeed and fail together.
Client Conduct: Our clients are why we exist. Approach every interaction—email, meeting, phone call—with patience and professionalism. Even when a client is difficult or a request is frustrating, our response must remain composed and solution-oriented. Remember, we are their trusted experts; respect is the currency of that trust.
2. Don't Assume: Assumptions in Technology Usually Lead to Failure
In our line of work, assumptions are the enemy of successful execution. Technology is unforgiving; it only does what you tell it to do, not what you wish it would do.
Ask for Clarification: If a task, requirement, or scope seems vague, stop and ask questions. Never proceed on the basis of "I think they meant..." or "It's probably just..." Always seek explicit confirmation from the client, the project manager, or the lead engineer.
Validate and Test Everything: Do not assume a piece of code works just because it worked before, or that a server configuration is correct just because it was deployed. Rigorous validation and testing are mandatory steps for every deliverable. At Array, our deployment checklists and peer review process are mandatory guardrails to eliminate assumption-based errors.
Document: Don't assume others know what you know. Document your work, your decisions, and your configurations thoroughly. This ensures continuity and prevents future team members from having to guess your thought process.
3. Be On Time: Punctuality is Key to Keeping Schedules and Clockwork for the Team and Clients
Punctuality is not just a personal habit; it is a measure of respect for your colleagues' time and a critical component of professional execution at Array.
Respect Meeting Schedules: All internal and client-facing meetings & Visits must start on time. This means being ready to contribute, and prepared at the scheduled start time.
Meet Deadlines: Array's reputation is built on reliability. When you commit to a deadline, the team and the client rely on that commitment. If a roadblock makes hitting a deadline impossible, you must communicate the issue immediately and propose a new plan—do not wait until the deadline has passed.
Scheduled Shifts/Workday: Be ready to start your scheduled workday at the agreed-upon time. This ensures smooth hand-offs, availability for daily stand-ups, and predictable service for our clients.
4. Leave the Work Site Pristine: Vacuumed and Debris-Free
Our physical presence in a client's space must demonstrate the same level of quality as our technical deliverables. Leaving a clean workspace is a final, critical element of professional service.
Work Area Protocol: At the end of every work session at a client location (or a shared office space), your immediate area must be vacuumed, wiped down, and fully organized. This includes putting away tools, securing cables, and properly storing or disposing of materials.
Debris Off-Site: All trash, packaging, and project-related debris must be removed from the client's site or disposed of according to a pre-approved method. Never leave our waste for the client to handle. A clean, orderly workspace is our final signature on a job well done.
5. Have Fun
We spend a significant portion of our lives working, and while the job is serious, the environment shouldn't be stifling. Enjoying our work drives creativity, reduces burnout, and improves collaboration.
Inject Positivity: Look for opportunities to lighten the mood. Share a constructive laugh, take a quick break, or simply approach challenges with a positive attitude. A little fun and a good sense of humor are essential professional tools.
Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate individual and team successes, no matter how small. Highlighting achievements keeps morale high and reminds us that our hard work is meaningful.
Maintain Balance: While dedication is important, work must remain sustainable. Take your breaks, use your vacation time, and advocate for your own well-being. A refreshed team member is a happy, productive team member. If the energy feels heavy, it's a sign that we need to step back, re-evaluate, and bring the fun back into the process.