“About 25 years ago, as I was finishing my studies, I was convinced that my days of learning were behind me. My plan was simple: to have no plan at all. I believed I knew everything I needed and would only need to brush up on my ‘vast knowledge.’
Nevertheless, I started improving my German without really knowing why. That led to my first contacts with two of ARGO’s founders and marked the beginning of a 25-year journey with ARGO – a company that does what it claims.
As far as I remember, the wording ‘We support people and organizations to be successful together’ had not yet become ARGO’s mission statement. However, the idea was already deeply embedded in how ARGO operated. It was simply something ARGO did.
There were countless opportunities for development through training programs, train-the-trainer initiatives, and new concepts. Just as importantly, personal growth was encouraged and never limited to professional skills.
Even today, 30 years after ARGO’s founding and 25 years after I joined, the company continues to organize development events for external participants. I can hardly imagine a better example of walking the talk – or, quite simply, developing people.
Several experiences have confirmed that ARGO consistently acts in accordance with its values. In one discussion, a founder and I spoke about developing people, even when this does not directly benefit the company. His response was simple:
‘We develop people. That is what we do, regardless of where their path may lead afterward.’
It reminded me of the well-known anecdote in which a CFO worries that employees might leave after being developed. The CEO replies that he is more concerned about what happens if they are not developed and stay.
In another memorable conversation about ARGO’s future, one founder said that the only thing truly important to him was remaining committed to developing people and organizations – nothing more and nothing less.
More recently, I discussed ARGO’s approach with an executive from a British leadership development company. When I described ARGO’s strong emphasis on internal development, she seemed surprised. Their focus was primarily on client development rather than investing equally in the people supporting them.
That conversation made me realize again how distinctive ARGO’s approach is. Developing people is not merely a service ARGO provides – it is a principle that guides the company internally as well.
I am proud and grateful to have been part of this journey for 25 years. As ARGO celebrates its 30th anniversary, I wish the company another 30 years of supporting people and organizations in succeeding together.”
Well, yes – we walk the talk!