Rodent Regatta

Too many organizations suffer from a ”been-there-done-that” mentality when it comes to improvement initiatives. They’ve seen and heard it all. They’ve been to the high ropes courses and they’ve played ”catch-ball” until they’re convinced that no program, plan or activity in business can turn dreadful places to work into places where we find joy.

There are two key components to changing this. First, there’s the attitude of the employee. Are they suited to their job? Have they got a ”fit” between their dreams, their skills and their selection of a place to work. Second, there’s the attitude of the company. If a company goes through many management fads and remains a place where trust is scarce, people are skeptical of everything ”management” says and ”we’ve seen it all” is the badge of tenure, then it’s time for a real transformation.

I’ve been rereading John Whitney’s book called The Trust Factor. It’s a recipe for corporate transformation. Using the principles of W. Edwards Deming, it teaches a leader how to restore an atmosphere of trust among employees, customers, suppliers, creditors and stockholders. Though it was written in 1994, clearly it never found a following at Enron, Worldcom or Global Crossing.

If you’re in a position to do something about a company’s culture, read this book. You’ll find it launches one of the most enjoyable adventures you’ve experienced in your career.