CSC president and CEO Rod Ward empowers colleagues with ‘people-first’ philosophy
Ben Mace
After being honored with Delaware's Top Workplaces Leadership Award for large companies, CSC President and CEO Rod Ward credited his predecessors for their guidance, including his late father.
“He was a well-regarded lawyer and a long-time CSC board member,” Ward said. “My parents had a big influence on my life. I miss him, but I also feel very fortunate we had a shared commitment and excitement for CSC, its people, and future.”
Other mentors include Bruce Winn, CSC board chairman and former CEO, and Dan Butler, president and CEO from 1975 to 1998.
Inspired by his predecessors, Ward created a list of 10 principles after being asked for insight and advice on what helped CSC become the world’s leading provider of business administration and compliance solutions.
- Put people first.
- Communicate more.
- Be genuine.
- Give people a voice.
- Empower teams.
- Expect decisive leadership.
- Leverage opportunities.
- Be tenacious.
- Maintain a long-term view.
- Keep people first.
That people-first approach resulted in CSC employees responding to the Top Workplaces survey saying they felt appreciated, encouraged, and empowered.
“Maintaining open communication and clear direction is more important now than ever as our organization continues to grow and change,” Ward said.
CSC leaders seek feedback and celebrate wins with employee surveys, team meetings and recognition programs.
“The best person to suggest a process improvement, or to figure out a better way of doing things, is the person doing that job,” Ward said. “Our employees are encouraged to collaborate and empowered to make decisions. Ultimately, our work is meaningful because of an authentic purpose, an inclusive work environment, and good leaders who listen to and support us. Every day, everywhere, it’s our CSC community, connectivity and culture that enable us to thrive.”
CSC emphasizes physical and mental wellness because “when we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to help others who need support,” Ward said.
While the company is involved in philanthropy, it allows employees to direct those efforts.
“Through CSC Gives Back, our contribution match program, and our employee volunteer programs, we help thousands of people in need,” Ward said.
What’s his reaction to being honored with the Top Workplaces Leadership Award?
“It means the most coming from my colleagues that I work with every day,” Ward said. “At CSC our progress is truly a collective effort. I’m very fortunate to work with competent and caring people. They’re also a lot of fun. CSC would not be the company we are today if it wasn’t for the 8,000-plus employees who show up and give their best every day. I am grateful to work alongside them.”
Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.