Why Character and Culture Are Still A Critical Choice
Long before we enter the corporate world, even before we take our first step into a childhood classroom, there’s an inner guidance program running. But we’re soon confronted with choices and trade-offs. For everything we choose, there’s something else we didn’t. Often, the temptation is to choose the path that gives gratification most quickly. We’re laying the foundation of character and culture.
Early on, the choices we make have less effect on others. And we usually feel the consequences ourselves more than others do. But that innocent inner child is learning about rewards and punishments for choices made, and building the framework of personal character that will be carried throughout life. If you could reach back across time and speak to that inner child who was you, who would you want them to become? What kind of life would you want them to live?
The Path To Character and Culture
That imaginary trip through time doesn’t have to be a fantasy. You can choose, now, to shift the way you do life. To place more value on good character than on culturally established norms. In a world that seems to have drifted into a how-low-can-you-tolerate mentality, you have a choice to take a different path. It’s a worthy effort. Because you’ll take what you become into the corporate world and ripple through countless other lives as you build a culture based on good character. Character and culture are intrinsically linked. Your habits, your reputation, and your results will follow you. What you’ve built, personally, you’re likely to incorporate in your work and business life.
Character
In the new book “Growing Influence,” authors Ron Price and Stacy Ennis do an artful job of showing how much character plays a role in the influence we have. And, whether that influence is creating results that, at the end of the day, you can be proud of. It’s all based on values, and among the values they highlight are
- Courage
- Contribution
- Empathy
- Peace
If you recognize those values as something lacking in the world, or your life, pick up a copy of the book. Written not as the typical book of this genre, it’s in the form of the story of a young woman and her wise and sage mentor. It a great read, and will give you plenty to reflect on.
Culture
What happens to business and corporate culture when those leading have built strong personal character? Would that change life for employees as they are thought of as more than disposable cogs in the corporate machine? As author Karen Jaw-Madson says in “Culture Your Culture,”
“Imagine if companies turned that same focus and attention toward their employees. What if all organizations knew and valued their employees as much as their customers?’
She takes an in-depth look at the process that can transform that lifelong “Mr Burns” corporate culture into a living, breathing entity that is energized by engagement. The result is a triple win, for the company, the employee, and the customer. If you’re in the midst of a corporate quagmire and seeking a way out, this book can show the path.
