Insomnia: November 2006

Community Comments

Culture Shock;

Surviving Downturn

By Georgene Waterman

Q: I have worked more than 10 years for a company that makes wood products. During that time I have been promoted to higher-level positions. Recently, when the owner retired, I became president of the company. Some of the employees have been with the company much longer than I, and it seems they are having a hard time seeing me in this role. How can I help them to see I am the president?

A: It is up to you to look and act like the president of the company. The board of directors or past president can appoint you to the position, but it is up to you to change your behavior to fill the shoes.
    First, since the president sets the culture of the company, it is imperative that you decide what culture you want. You are taking over a company that has a certain set of values, habits and behaviors that were established by the past president and that together define the culture. Some of the past culture may be acceptable to you, while other parts you may want to change. Define the values you want to use to run the company; usually five to six values will help establish the company culture.
    Next, it is imperative that you communicate those values to all the employees. This has to be done frequently, and you need to be sure to give examples.
Continued...

• Share
  • Digg This
  • del.icio.us
  • Newsvine
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • Furl It
  • !Y My Web
  • Google
• Email
• Print

Recommend This

Community Comments