Monday, December 04, 2006

GREAT Idea, BAD Execution....

"What IS this?!?"

My client, Karen, flipped the envelope across the desk with disgust. The long white envelope slid to a stop in front of me, with the word "Karen" written across it in a beautiful feminine script.

"What's wrong?" I asked Karen.

"The president of our company just sent us all holiday cards."

"...and...," I asked, more than a little puzzled.

"The cards are embossed inside with the president's name and the name of our company."

"So what's bugging you?" I asked, still confused.

"THE PRESIDENT PROBABLY NEVER TOUCHED THESE CARDS!" Karen shouted. "I expect to get these kind of cards from my car dealer ... but the president of my own company?"

"Well," I offered, "at least she signed your name on the envelope."

"Our president," said Karen quite dryly, "is a man."


****************


Karen's frustration points out a common dilemma among employees these days. So many employees--from division managers down to line-staff--are starving for personal recognition. By sending these coldly embossed (albeit beautifully) cards to his employees, the president of the company was blowing his chance to build emotional engagement in his company ... and the bottom line will suffer.

Great leaders recognize the importance of personal recognition. While few company presidents have time to sign Christmas cards by hand, leaders in organizations need to be careful...because--as in Karen's case--sometimes a Christmas card can destroy emotional engagement rather than build it up.


(above names and details have been changed to protect confidentiality).


BOTTOM LINE: SUPERIOR LEADERS PAY ATTENTION TO MAKE SURE THAT BAD EXECUTION DOES NOT DAMAGE A GREAT IDEA.




A Little Nonsense Now and Then.....

...is relished by the wisest of people.

'Tis the holidays, and nothing says "Christmas" more than the Transiberian Orchestra and someone with too much time on their hands....

Watch the video.


This scene always brings a smile to my face.



BOTTOM LINE: Smart leaders make time for silliness and humor.

tags:



A Little Nonsense Now and Then.....

...is relished by the wisest of people.

'Tis the holidays, and nothing says "Christmas" more than the Transiberian Orchestra and someone with too much time on their hands....

Watch the video.


This scene always brings a smile to my face.



BOTTOM LINE: Smart leaders make time for silliness and humor.

tags:



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