#39: Follow the leader - part 2
Last week I mentioned the CEO whose 10 year old company car was such a clear symbol of what behavior was required during a Chapter 11 turnaround. That story illustrates beautifully the most important lesson I have learned in management. Here it is, so listen carefully:
People don’t behave according to strategies, rules and instructions. They behave according to their perceptions of strategies, rules and instructions.
Here is another true story, this from a struggling car manufacturer. The VP of Finance sent out a corporate-wide memo reminding everyone of the need to watch expenses. Then he ordered a new microwave oven and a solid oak door for his office.
Of course, there was no need to send out a memo for everyone to know about that. I leave you to decide which perception employees paid more attention to.
I’m james@nonsenseatwork.com
Copyright: 2006 James Henry McIntosh
People don’t behave according to strategies, rules and instructions. They behave according to their perceptions of strategies, rules and instructions.
Here is another true story, this from a struggling car manufacturer. The VP of Finance sent out a corporate-wide memo reminding everyone of the need to watch expenses. Then he ordered a new microwave oven and a solid oak door for his office.
Of course, there was no need to send out a memo for everyone to know about that. I leave you to decide which perception employees paid more attention to.
I’m james@nonsenseatwork.com
Copyright: 2006 James Henry McIntosh
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