SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE
Talent management is a vital piece of how an organization does business. It encompasses many factors such as recruiting, hiring, salary, benefits, fringes, growth opportunities, schedules, continuing education, and job title. All these items are tremendously important, but one item exists that is foundational to all talent management. That item is the corporate culture. I love the way that Inc. defines corporate culture (http://www.inc.com/encyclopedia/corporate-culture.html):
“ the shared values, attitudes, standards, and beliefs that characterize members of an organization and define its nature. Corporate culture is rooted in an organization’s goals, strategies, structure, and approaches to labor, customers, investors, and the greater community. As such, it is an essential component in any business’s ultimate success or failure. ”
The first phrase that jumps out at me is, “shared values, attitudes, standards, and beliefs.” The key word in that phrase is “shared.” Corporate culture begins and ends with the concept of sharing. Because we are coming together as a team, we have some things that we wish to affirm as being commonly held ideals of the team. Nowhere is the proverbial axiom of everyone being on the same page truer than with corporate culture.
When we do have shared values, attitudes, standards, and beliefs, then we have the fundamental assurance and peace of mind that we can each perform our jobs freely. We feel safe. We know that the organization en masse and its individuals have our back. We know that as long as we are performing in line with those shared values, attitudes, standards, and beliefs, then everything will be okay. It means that we are freer to focus on the technical aspects of the project before us with maximum intensity.
When you are privileged to be part of a dynamic, powerful, and effective corporate culture, then you are thrilled to share and share alike. Unfortunately, when you are burdened to be part of a negative corporate culture, sharing is painful and harmful. If the former applies to you, then hold on and keep prospering. If the latter applies to you, then it is definitely time for a change.
