“When troops flee, are insubordinate, distressed, collapse in disorder or are routed, it is the fault of the general.” — Sun Tzu

Decades ago, I was doing some training for a big-name Wall Street investment company.  My go-to guy and I were in a meeting when his boss came in and – right in front of me –chewed his butt up one side of the room and down the other.  The boss left and we headed out to lunch.  However, along the way, my contact guy paused just long enough to read the riot act (unabridged version) to his secretary. 

Talk about a great culture in which to work!  I was witness to a shameful chain-of-command pecking order.  Worse still, the way the players in this drama sat there stone faced, I suspect this sort of thing was fairly common.   

My point is that – and this is one of those truths that we all hate to admit — when employees screw up, service is lousy, morale sucks, the sales force is ready to bolt, it’s always – ALWAYS – management’s fault!

We set the tone and create the culture.  If we come in late, cut corners or treat employees like dead meat, they will wander in late, too, cut corners and treat customers (and each other) like dead meat.  If we behave like jerks, so will our employees. 

The good news:  When the biz hums like a well-greased machine, when people are courteous and respectful and cooperate as team players, when sales climb and everybody gives a damn – ding, ding, ding!  It’s because you are doing something right.   

So, be keenly aware of the culture you create in your operation.  Be honest, demanding, respectful, hard-working and knowledgeable, and your team will soar, as will your sales and your profits.

Work hard.  Make money.  Have fun.

Want more biz tips and support?  Visit www.TheFreestyleEntrepreneur.com.

Popularity: 1% [?]