Brand U core values are often distilled in myths, symbols, metaphors, and rituals. At first glance, they don’t seem to have much place in a business organization. However, they play a conscious or unconscious role in many organizations. Corporate images and reputations are evolving into core competencies for success. Reputation and image stimulate positive associations …
The average American pays little attention to profitability or stock performance when evaluating a corporation. We really don’t respond to faceless corporations but to their products, reputation, and media character. It turns out that we relate to simple, gut things such as the organization’s stand on safety, environment, trust, and yes, even babies. “Reputation is …
“We don’t have time for this stuff.” “This too shall pass.” “We have no help.” “This stuff isn’t relevant.” “I’m a short termer.” “They’re not walking the talk!” “This stuff is …” “Don’t bother me with small stuff.” “This stuff isn’t working.” “They’re acting like a cult.” “I’m a temp, so it doesn’t affect …
Many of today’s young Brand U’s were brought up in a permissive environment where questioning was an accepted form of behavior. Authority was also questioned. Rules were made to be broken. These Brand U’s threaten traditional managers who demand unquestioning obedience. Both management and employees may feel threatened by change. Management may feel threatened when …
But, here’s the organizational dilemma. This person, a lone ranger, may be the quintessential Brand U with a killer idea that will change the world or at least an industry sector. And, more often this person will take his or her breakthrough idea outside the organization to pursue his/her dreams. How does the organization inspire …
In the horizontal organization, hierarchal levels disappear, work is simplified, and information is universally available. Responsibility, authority, resources, information, and decision making are downloaded to the lowest organizational level. Hierarchal- functional workers evolve into process owners. Self-managed process or project teams do work simultaneously or concurrently. Specifications are jointly developed so everyone is familiar with …
Wealth used to be in land, then property, plant, and equipment – hard assets. Now wealth is in Brand U people whose ideas and knowledge are portable. So, the issue of happy workers has become a major topic as organizations try to engage and inspire us to contribute our ideas and knowledge. They want more …
Even the best executives have a hard time navigating change. Andrew Grove, Intel Chairman says, “Let’s consider a group of competent CEOs. They’re good people. They have been selected and trained to do a particular task well. Now, you change their environment so that their skills are no longer relevant. The more adept they were …
What’s caused this concern about jobs? Part of it deals with increased competition, loss of trust between employer and employee, changing technology, changing work rules, and the inability to keep up with all the change. Part of it deals with the fact that many Brand U’s feel empowered not just to earn a living but …
The Internet has become a powerful symbol of society’s expectation about the future – a future of fast-moving, disruptive technology that is shifting the terrain not only in business, but also in politics and culture. New York Times