Does This Sound Like Your Corporate Culture?

Something For All Involved in a Corporate Culture To Think About

I found this quote in the draft of a book I have been writing forever.   Although the authors Cooper and Sawaf wrote this ten years ago, my perception is that it is so perfectly descriptive of what is happening today.  You may want to argue with me about this, so please feel free.  Here’s the quote:

‘In many companies we're caught up in an atmosphere of autocratic and sometimes
abusive management, mountains of rules and red tape, traumatic downsizings, and a
fear-laced climate of uncertainty, perceived inequities, resentment and anger that at
times can border on hostility and rage. We show up and keep our hearts closed, just
hoping to get by and collect our pay checks. The truth, however, is that many people
in business have very little energy left; certainly not enough to lead their career,
company or industry into a successful future.’

Wow!  Does this mean that so little has changed in ten years? 

 
I would like to suggest that it is time for us to take hold of our courage, show some spirit and do something that will change this.  Like what?

Think About This

How many of my readers have bosses who say things to minimize you, are disrespectful, negative and are bullies?   If this sounds familiar, think about your role in this.  Think about how often you have responded in ways that allowed them to continue behaving in this unacceptable way.

Think about how much time and energy you have wasted:

·         Protecting yourself from the put-downs of someone in your work or personal environment

·         Avoiding dealing with the real issues

·         Faking acceptance of decisions with which you do not agree

·         Remaining silent when you were aching to speak out

·         Watching as people joked the problem away

·         Putting up with jobs that weren’t right for you

·         Holding back your insights and ideas and knowledge and passion

And if you have been doing some of this then decide NO MORE!

We can only help corporate America find a way to work through this recession and build a strong economy by putting a voice to our spirit and our integrity and who we are, expressing our talents and dreams and perceptions and ideas.  Let’s use our courage and spirit to transform organizations that create a climate of fear into organizations built on mutual trust and respect.  I know we can do it!

I'd love to know whether you agree with me when I say that the Cooper and Sawaf quote still applies today?  And give me examples of why you agree or disagree.  I need to know if my perception is on the mark or not.