Making the transition from individual contributor to manager or entrepreneur to “corporate” executive is one of the most difficult shifts most of us will face in our careers. A study conducted by a national management consulting firm a few years back indicated that more than 40% of newly appointed managers fail in their first 18 months on the job!
As a consultant working with many entrepreneurs attempting to grow their businesses either for continuity purposes or for sale I see them experience many of the same issues.
In many cases these issues boil down to developing and maintaining effective relationships.
Our educational system has a bias towards “technical” skills and individual achievement. Winning means getting the best grades and “setting the curve” as an individual.
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“Inside my empty bottle I was constructing a lighthouse while all the others were making ships”
Charles Simic
Last week as I mentioned in my blog I had a chance to talk with my sister in law; a very talented communications professional, about iconic brands, connections and related concepts.
We talked about what creates an iconic brand, she felt the elements include among other things:
- A defining brand truth. Think about the concept of a defining brand truth. It articulates value statement not only to your customers, but also to your employees. It allows them to commit rather than merely comply.
- A set of in transient principles. Great brands refuse to compromise on their principles. They may change a process or a look, but they retain their essence. What they represent is foundational and consistent.
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“When the pace of change outside an organization becomes greater than the pace of change inside the organization, the end is near.”
John R. Walter, President, ATT
Our current situation is in turmoil. We are facing the most significant recession since the 1930’s, we see businesses closing or cutting back. So far at least half of the financial bailout hasn’t yielded significant results. Banks are still not lending.
Here are a few other “pre-meltdown” considerations for you as well-
Eric Allenbaugh, a Lake Oswego based managed consultant published an article describing the three primary cultures represented in corporate America-
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