Values and traditions are two words that come to mind when we think of the upcoming holidays in December. But these are also the two words that the Economist magazine [October 30th] cited as the most important “intangible things” for good corporate governance [versus "ideal constitutions"]. Why? Because recent studies show that corporate culture trumps corporate checklists when it comes to predicting the success of a company. Unlike check the box rules, a good corporate culture fosters good habits. So what values and traditions do you want to carry forward into 2011- and which ones do you want to leave behind in 2010? December is a good time to “mull it over”.
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Your comments about values and traditions struck a good cord!
Improving workplace happiness can lead to improved productivity and a corporate culture that is both marketable and profitable. A corporate culture of trust, traditions and added-value can also improve the quality of life for neighborhoods and beyond.
Look at Timberland (in Stratham, NH). They (www.timberland.com) have developed a business model that compliments their pillars of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Their leadership in the field of CSR serves as a model for other corporations. Through their website and social media, employee engagement at Timberland extends worldwide. No, I am not an employee.
It has been noted by others that the two most important tangible things to office workers are their chairs and pens. While those are being satisfied, happiness in a supportive corporate culture can lead to a tradition of trust and other intangible benefits that translate profitably to the bottom line (reduced absenteeism, reduced turnover, higher productivity and a phenomenal growth of brainstorming for improved results).
With a corporate background, we now work with high schools, small businesses, civic groups and non-profits to improve the quality of life in our county of 102,000 residents. Our work at Keep Putnam Beautiful to expand the traditions of trust, value and community can be seen at http://www.putnamcountyny.com/kpb.
Your Novermber 30 blog is a valued contribution to the discussion.
By: Walt Thompson on December 1, 2010
at 10:01 am