Management Information

How to Help Your Company Become a World Class Company


Most people think real change in an organization occurs as a result of top-level 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 säles 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 löse.

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 löse? 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 for--or own a company--you 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.

To get our frëë report 'The Ten Pillars of a World Class Business' send an email to wcb@successnet.org For full details on the next World Class Business Conference, go to http://WorldClassBusiness.com

Copyright Michael Angier.

About The Author

Michael Angier is the founder and president of SuccessNet, an organization designed to help you live and work more effectively. 80,000 people can't be wrong. http://SuccessNet.org, support@SuccessNet.org, InfoPlease@SuccessNet.org

  


MORE RESOURCES:

Mines Management Inc. : Update - Prepares For Exploration On La Estrella Gold ...
Reuters
RELEASE 12-05 UPDATE - MINES MANAGEMENT PREPARES FOR EXPLORATION ON LA ESTRELLA GOLD-SILVER PROJECT Spokane, Washington - May 25, 2012 - Mines Management, Inc. (NYSE-Amex: "MGN", TSX: "MGT") (the "Company") is pleased to announce preparations, ...

and more »


New York Times (blog)

Management Buyouts Can Be Too Cozy
New York Times (blog)
That seems to be the case with the board of Venoco, a California oil company that is the subject of a proposed $770 million management buyout. On Jan. 16, the Venoco board of directors agreed to let the company be acquired by its chairman and chief ...



Bloomberg

Dell Close to Buying Quest for Computer-Management
BusinessWeek
By Serena Saitto and Aaron Ricadela on May 25, 2012 Dell Inc. (DELL) (DELL) is in advanced discussions to acquire Quest Software Inc. (QSFT) (QSFT), a maker of tools that help companies manage their computer systems, according to a person with ...
Dell Said Close to Buying Quest for Computer-ManagementBloomberg
Dell's Quest For Software Business Could Lead To Acquiring Quest SoftwareCRN
Report: Dell Looking to Buy Quest SoftwareChannelnomics
Forbes -Investor's Business Daily
all 80 news articles »


Bloomberg

Apollo Global Management Completes Acquisition of EP Energy
MarketWatch (press release)
Sam Oh, partner at Apollo, stated, "We are delighted to partner with one of North America's leading exploration and production franchises led by a world class team of managers. Our acquisition of EP Energy solidifies Apollo's natural resources platform ...
Apollo Completes Acquisition of EP EnergyPrivate Equity Hub (press release)

all 64 news articles »


New York Magazine

JPMorgan Chase Risk Management Committee Missing Bank Directors, Financial ...
Huffington Post
What the committee's missing that all the other big banks have: people who worked as financial risk managers. The makeup of JPMorgan's committee hasn't changed since 2008, but the bank was warned last year that it wasn't up to the task of monitoring ...
JP Morgan's Risks Aren't Well-Managed Because JP Morgan Doesn't Want Sound ...Slate Magazine (blog)
JP Morgan to Shake Up Risk CommitteeWall Street Journal

all 28 news articles »


Management Tip of the Day: Hire for passion
Reuters
The Management Tip of the Day offers quick, practical management tips and ideas from Harvard Business Review and HBR.org (www.hbr.org). Any opinions expressed are not endorsed by Reuters. "People are more creative when they feel passionate about their ...

and more »


SAS in Leaders Quadrant of Magic Quadrant for CRM Multichannel Campaign Management
MarketWatch (press release)
CARY, NC, May 25, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- SAS is in the Leaders quadrant in Gartner Inc.'s latest, "Magic Quadrant for CRM Multichannel Campaign Management"(1) This places SAS, the leader in business analytics and integrated marketing management, ...

and more »


Altiplano Minerals Ltd. Announces Changes to Management and Amendments to ...
MarketWatch (press release)
May 25, 2012 (ACCESSWIRE-TNW via COMTEX) -- May 25, 2012 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Altiplano Minerals Ltd. ("Altiplano" or the "Company") (apn:TSX-V) announces today several management changes as well as proposed amendments to certain matters ...

and more »


VIP Wins Project Management Contract for California Secretary of State
MarketWatch (press release)
SACRAMENTO, CA, May 25, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- The California Secretary of State awarded Visionary Integration Professionals (VIP) a contract for just under $1 million to provide project management services for the California Business Connect ...

and more »


Strategic Information Management Provider Stibo Systems Achieves Record Growth
MarketWatch (press release)
Stibo Systems, the Strategic Information Management Company, today announced significant financial growth highlighted by new customer contracts, additional deployments from existing clients, and expansion into new vertical industries and geographies ...

and more »

Google News

Article List | Index | Site Map
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved.