No one will admit they are complacent. They will tell you they are action oriented, a go-getter, and a person who can get things done. Sure, there are people who are exactly like this, who are the very embodiment of the words we just used. But interestingly, few of them actually describe themselves that way, at least in our experience. They just – well – get things done.
A culture of complacency can be easily seen in organizations. They are the organizations who:
• Brand themselves as service oriented yet score poorly in the customer satisfaction
• Hold a plethora of meetings where there is a demand for action yet not much gets done
• Value organizational political skills over competent performance when addressing promotions
• Start many projects, but complete few
• Have more actions items coming out of a strategy meeting than a staff twice the size could complete in a decade
• Talk a very good game, but come up short on measureable performance
They are the organizations that give the impression of action. There’s an old adage that says it well: big hat no cattle.
While few of us can have a meaningful impact on these sclerotic organizations, we can definitely have a meaningful impact on our own business. As an independent, entrepreneur, solopreneur, or as partnerprenuers, you are the culture! How you behave, how you act, how you respond makes up the culture of the your work and represents the company. So how are you doing? Are you getting things done – or talking about them? Are you making the calls – or planning to make the calls? Are you clear on you personal mission, vision and values – or do you think that is only for big companies?
Yes, the economic recovery is sluggish. It is oh so easy to blame the economy, blame the politicians, blame just about anybody. But in reality some businesses (and independents) are doing very well in this economy. Like a small three partner research company that grew revenue over 35% last year, or an information technology consulting company that can’t find enough resources to continue its fast growth, or a local restaurant where it’s difficult to get a reservation – and we’re not just talking about New York City, Chicago, or LA.
How’s your culture doing?
© 2011 Kubica LaForest Consulting
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