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Polaris growth and spread over the years
has been through our roots of ,
, ,
and .
These values serve as the props that bring our people
together towards a common goal. Polaris employees are
connected through shared vision, shared dreams and shared
values. We believe that such a differentiated work culture
connects our teams and creates an inspired workplace.
In 1883, a creative engineer named John
Roebling and his son Washington were inspired to build
a spectacular bridge connecting New York with Long
Island. However bridge-building experts throughout
the world thought it was just not possible.
The project started well, but when it
was only a few months underway a tragic accident on
the site took the life of John Roebling and crippled
Washington – no longer able to walk, talk or even
move. All he could do was move one finger and he decided
to make the best use of it. By moving this, he slowly
developed a code of communication with his wife.
He touched his wife’s arm with that
finger, indicating to her that he wanted her to call
the engineers again. Then he used the same method
of tapping her arm to tell engineers what to do. It
seemed foolish but the project was under way again.
For 13 years Washington tapped out his
instructions with his finger on his wife’s arm, until
the bridge was finally completed. Today, the spectacular
Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute
to the triumph of one man’s passion to excel.
When I was a young man, I wanted to
change the world. I found it was difficult to change
the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I
found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus
on my town. I couldn't change the town and as an older
man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only
thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize
that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have
made an impact on my family. My family and I could
have made an impact on our town. Their impact could
have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed
the world.
A while back there was a story about
Reuben Gonzolas who was in the final match of his
1st professional racquetball tournament. He was playing
the perennial champion for his 1st shot at victory
on the pro circuit. At match point in the 5th &
final game, Gonzolas made a super “kill shot” into
the front corner to win the tournament. The referee
called it good, and one of the linesman confirmed
that the shot was a winner.
But after a moment’s hesitation, Gonzolas
turned and declared that his shot skipped into the
wall, hitting the floor first. As a result, the serve
went to his opponent, who went on to win the match.
Reuben Gonzolas walked off the court everyone was
stunned. The next issue of racquetball magazine featured
Gonzolas on its cover. The lead editorial questioned
about such an occurrence on the racquetball circuit.
Who could imagine it in any sport or endeavor? Here
was a player with everything in his favor within sight
of victory and yet disqualifies himself.
When asked why he did it, Gonzolas replied,
”It was the only thing that I could do to maintain
my integrity”
One night, at 11:30 PM, an older African
American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama
highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her
car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride.
Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her,
generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s.
The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance
and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a
big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked
him.
Seven days went by and a knock came
on the man's door. To his surprise, a nice bunch of
flowers was delivered to his home. A special note
was attached. It read:
"Thank you so much for assisting
me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched
not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you
came along. Because of your unbiased respect and care,
I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside
just before he passed away. God bless you. Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole."
The Ants were spending a fine winter's
day drying grain collected in the summertime. A Grasshopper,
perishing with famine, passed by and earnestly begged
for a little food.
The Ants inquired of him,
"Why did your not treasure up food during the
summer?"
He replied, "I had not leisure enough. I passed
the days in singing."
They then said in dersion:
"So did we! We did sing all the summer while
doing our work"
Enjoyed doing it as much as dancing with supper in
the winter."
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