"The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them." --—Albert Einstein
Our beliefs can pose one of the biggest threats to our business growth. Yet many business owners completely ignore the toxic beliefs that invade their company. Let's face it--it is much easier to focus on improving the balance sheet, laying off non performers, and generating more sales. Unfortunately, those actions may not fix our company's performance in the long term, or help us attract the best team to position us for the economic recovery.
Do you believe strongly enough in your company's culture to share it with the world--unfiltered? Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh does.
You see, Zappos publishes an annual Culture Book. You can actually order a copy and read it. Even if you are a competitor. (learn more by watching my brief interview with Tony below)
Video: The Zappos Culture Book
Inside their annual Zappos 2008 Culture Book you will find all kinds of revealing comments across multiple Zappos departments and locations. In fact, it contains 479 pages of company gatherings, photos, collages, and myriad Zappos homages.
Most comments are simply effusive; others are neutral. Some people treat their office mates like family; a few feel somewhat isolated. Overall, the comments are extremely positive.
What matters is that Zappos leadership team is SO confident in their culture that they are willing to share it, warts and all.
If you hired a roving reporter to interview your employees and post their unedited replies, what would they say?
You know you have conquered alot of growth limitations when you can proudly publish your company culture quips.
Go ahead. Publish one. I dare you.
P.S. Here is living proof that Zappos' intentions line up with their behaviors. They pay new employees a $2,000 bonus to LEAVE after they complete orientation. If they decline, Tony expects their chances of succeeding in Zappos' culture increases dramatically.
Are your strategic planning activities done from the inside out, or outside in? How often do you rely on client feedback and interaction to refine your plan? And why does it matter?
It matters alot.
In these challenging times, it's easy to focus intently on improving your internal processes. When that happens at the expense of your clients, you will miss out on obvious growth opportunities. Your strategic growth plan becomes little more than an academic exercise.
My meeting with Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh (see videos below) reinforced my belief that it is possible to balance your internal planning activities with your client-focused marketing and selling initiatives.
