Sunday, May 20, 2012

Like A Moth To Flame

Transitions of power.

In some countries those transitions are filled with violence and bloodshed. In Corporate America the pain is less obvious...but the impact can still be damaging and permanent. Sometimes the process of transition is filled with posturing, behind-the-scenes moves, and attempts to secure power and control. At other times, it can be a process of collaboration and breakthroughs from an old culture to a new and more open way of doing business.

But only sometimes.

Trust
The word trust is tossed around so frequently in our work lives that I wonder if anyone ever takes the time to appreciate that trust is not the key issue. The real issue is whether or not the people who have power are willing to share it. If so, they get that power back plus so much more in employee loyalty, hard work and productivity.

But sharing power only happens sometimes.

Relationships
I've come to appreciate how important relationships are before issues arise. Why? Because it's nearly impossible to build a relationship with someone that you need to rely on during times of uncertainty and transition. Can you really believe what they're telling you? Do you think they believe you? I'm not saying it can never happen...

But this only happens sometimes.

How About You
What do you see happening around you? Do you invest the time when you aren't confronted with a crisis or period of major transition so you and your colleagues will be ready? Or, do you wait and react like that moth and head straight for the flames?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



3 comments:

  1. Jay-
    William Tincup says that in corporate America there are no mergers, only acquisitions. Having been through a merger (that was really an acquisition) I have to fully agree. But I can also say that the heritage employees of the remaining company took great pains to build trust with the employees of the company being acquired. Long before the deal was done, they got inside and let people know that they were excited about what the new combination could deliver.
    If they had waited until all the details were complete, they would have missed a tremendous opportunity and would have likely lost some good employees.
    You build trust daily because waiting until it's urgent may be too late.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing this experience Tim. What a terrific example of how to handle such a huge change! Great stuff...and William is right!

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  2. Time-managing is freaking important for those who want to get success, but not waste everything.

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