January 31st, 2010
How To Help Your Company Become A World Class Company
Most people think real change in an organization occurs as a result of toplevel leadership. This isn’t always the case.
Oftentimes it’s someone within the rank and file who stands up and challenges the status quo. Remember the old adage “If the people will lead the leaders will follow.”
Years ago I was the sles manager for company with about 30 employees. The business was struggling and a management consultant had been called in to try and get things back on track.
In one of my meetings with the consultant I told him about some of the things that were going on that I didn’t agree with. I explained that even though we were all encouraged to be open and honest I feared that what I had to say might cost me my job.
His response was something I won’t forget. He asked me if I really wanted to work for a company that said one thing and did another. He showed me that I really didn’t have anything to lse.
It was time to walk my talk. I could no longer hide behind the fear of losing my job. I had to speak my truth. I did and I didn’t get fired. And even if I had been it would have been worth it.
Anyone can be the catalyst for change. Sometimes all it takes is a question. Sometimes it requires a brave person pointing to the dusty mission statement hanging on the wall and saying “Does this reflect our purpose?” or “Is this consistent with our core values?”
Those responsible for the Enron and WorldCom scandals did not do their greedy deeds in a vacuum. Others knew something wasn’t right and yet they remained silent. At the very least we all have a responsibility to report illegal activity. We also should work toward making our company a world class company.
Yes it’s true that it’s risky. It does take courage. But like that consultant said to me what do you really have to lse? Better to shake things up a bit than remain silent. It’s easier to find another job with a company more in tune with your values than to treat an ulcer or high blood pressure. Besides it’s the right thing to do.
You can challenge with respect. You can question without being insubordinate. In so many instances I’ve found that when just one person stands up for what’s right others step forward as well. A leader doesn’t have to be elected or appointed. A leader is often just someone who cares enough to speak what’s in the hearts and minds of others.
Sometimes leadership becomes enlightened by blinding flashes of the obvious illuminated by those in the trenches. And if management can’t handle the truth it’s time to seek out new management.
My personal belief is whether you work foror own a companyyou want it to be something you’re proud of. You want the time and energy you invest in your career to be worthy of the best that’s within you. You want it to make a difference.
Average isn’t good enough. You want to look back on your contribution with pride. Just putting in your time and collecting a paycheck may work for some people but it shouldn’t be sufficient for you. Stand up for excellence. Help your company become a world class company.
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Copyright Michael Angier. SuccessNet.org and http://WorldClassBusiness.com help you and your business grow. Get their fr report 10 Pillars of a World Class Business by sending an email to wcbSuccessNet.org Nocost subscriptions memberships eCourses eBooks and more are available at http://SuccessNet.org and InfoPleaseSuccessNet.org
About the writer:
Michael Angier is the founder and president of SuccessNet an organization designed to help you live and work more effectively. 80000 people can’t be wrong. http://SuccessNet.org
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