Unaverage Leadership

The Christmas Ham

The holidays arrive and soon all of the goodies from vendors and customers start pouring in.  I am sure that many of your people wait with anticipation for that "special something" that comes every year from certain people.

I believe for some it actually turns into an unwritten law that they will partake in the feast of these items.  There is a certain group that makes sure they get the goods, but what about the rest?

If I am a part of this company, why do I not get an opportunity to savor the goodies - sound familiar.  Sure some companies send out what is left to the rest of the staff - very generous to share your leftovers.  Yes - leftovers - that is how it is viewed.

If you want to start changing culture, take a stab at dealing with the holiday gifts that come into your company.  I am in a company that has practiced self indulgence and the giving of leftovers.  This year I suggested that the "Christmas ham" that they get every year (that was shared with only a few) be given away.  We are employee owned so why not?

There was resistance, there was selfishness from those who had always devoured the ham, it was viewed as what is the big deal.  Well, I can tell you for a fact what happened when the ham was eligible to be received by all.  There was shock and appreciation by all who had not been part of the "Christmas ham" feast.  The message went out that maybe things are changing and we are part of team that works together for success.

Remember that the little things are sometimes the biggest things when you are trying to change culture.  It is the season for giving, so why not try a different approach to giving in your company.

Flickr photo by Cindy's World

Apathy

Why should I care what happens at this company?  I do my job, keep my mouth shut, and go home.  I have no influence, no power, and no one cares about me.  Just leave me alone and everything will be fine.  Nothing will change no matter what I do.

If these thoughts ring true for your company, you have an infestation of apathy.  This may well be the number one killer of motivation, creativity, and efficiency.

Apathy is a clear sign that there is no linkage between what a person does and some higher purpose - a better world, bonuses, profits, stock value, work-life balance, etc. I guarantee that employees who are infected with apathy will never take the extra step, the extra minute to finish something, worry about equipment, and they may even border on the fringe of sabotage.

Take a minute and reflect back on your own career and I am sure you will recall your own periods of apathy - not a pretty picture.  This is the picture that may well be the center of your company's culture.  You should also take note of how many of your people in leadership positions have the apathy bug.  These leaders are like an incubator and increase the level of apathy infestation.

Apathy can be defeated by sharing financial information, involving people in decisions that affect them, creating a sense of pride about your company, and providing opportunities to learn.  The opposite of apathy is engagement and successful companies have made engaged employees a priority.

Today's business environment is too competitive to ignore the issue of apathy.  Do not let apathy become your company's eulogy.

Flickr photo by apathy_obsession

Frugal To A Fault

I am sure you know many people who are frugal.  They do not do much, they get buy with the least of everything - one pan, two sets of clothes, simple foods, and do not drive.

The frugal concept in business is used to conserve cash and keep prices low.  The difference between a person and a company is that a person is alone and a company is group of individuals.  The individual that practices frugal living can make his choices quickly and not impact others lives in a big way.  In a frugal company it is not that simple.

The leader of a frugal company cannot be the lone believer.  They must have the support of the organization to be frugal otherwise people become zombie employees who care about nothing.

Imagine a CEO who spends time saving printed paper to reuse the back side of the paper, or spends hours and days searching for the best deal on the smallest items, and even goes through buildings to find rusted, wasp nest infested conduit to use in wiring equipment.  In today's world a CEO must be frugal, but keep in mind how your employees view these actions.  The top paid person is spending $50, $100, or more dollars an hour on these activities - which costs the company and does not add value.  I do not dismiss the concept of setting an example, but be cautious of stupidity.

Remember that everyone watches the leader and scrutinizes their actions.  The value of being frugal with dollars can lead to the loss of business, growth, and good people.  Keep a strong balance sheet, but make sure that you are always making investment in your company by spending dollars on training, process improvements, updated equipment, and offering an employment package that attracts the best and brightest.

Flickr photo by NotAgainFarm