Coprorate Character

Nearly half of my life was lived in a "corporate culture" environment. I grew up in a house where both parents were career driven so I'm not shocked over my journey through the cubical clutter. Clutching a bachelors degree in art education, my decision for employment was easy - door number one: a free car, free gas and a chunk of cash; or, door number two - bratty kids, no sick days, and a car payment. Eventually, my education in corporate culture would pay off. I can tell stories that would make you blush about the behavior I witnessed from grown professionals inside the walls of Corporate America.

I am compelled to evaluate a company's character because Q7 Associates is currently at a point in its maturity where we have implemented changes to our company structure to position us for growing opportunities. Making changes to any organization or company structure takes time and an effort to "change". My experience in working with organizations and companies that embark on a "change" in their structure is that they negate to evaluate the psychological changes when making such transitions. I recently learned about this process while serving as President on a Board of Directors that was conscientious about how their organization would adapt to major changes. It was a fairly easy process for the board to determine what types of situational changes needed addressed to achieve specific outcomes; however, it was more challenging to identify the psychological changes that would need to occur. It can be fairly easy for a company to implement new policies concerning their customer services; however, it can be more challenging identifying the nature or character that needs to be changed to properly meet their company objectives. In our case, we are evaluating our company's character. A great reference for those going through organizational change is: Managing Transitions, Making the Most of Change by William Bridges, PhD.

Take a look at your company from the outside and evaluate what type of character it should have as it represents you and the people in your company. In a world of Social Media Networking, your company character goes beyond your brand and everyone in your company is a representative of your business. Most companies focus their energy on quality customer service and this is a good idea, but more importantly...does your company have class, sophistication, education, etc.? The company I worked for had a strong customer service program and the customers, no matter how crazy, were always right. Meanwhile their representatives and employees behavior was completely classless and eventually, the company lost its mission and vision and ultimately the company failed despite the policies on quality customer care.

It's important to make a good first impression (which on an average, we judge people on a first impression within the first three seconds); however, it's equally important to make a lasting positive impression.



resources: Corporate Class Inc.