Finding Your Organizational Identity
Remember the WWJD bracelets worn as a reminder to base our daily decisions on what Jesus would do? Because we know Jesus’ values, how he lived his life, and examples that he shared, the WWJD question is easy to answer across a broad spectrum of circumstances. We can be fairly certain we will make good decisions using this framework as our guide.
When your team is expected to make decisions that will greatly impact your company, what framework do they use? How comfortable are they that they will make the right decision? Will they opt to please the boss, or follow their personal preferences? Empowered employees need more than “let your conscience be your guide.” Ideally, everyone is well indoctrinated about the company’s core mission, vision, and values. There is no better framework…..assuming they can remember the company’s core ideology.
There is a way to embody these characteristics…literally. Creating a persona gives a human face to the otherwise intangible dimensions of organizational identity. What emerges is a fictional yet factual representation of the character of the company. Hoselton Auto Mall in Rochester, NY learned about their company’s personality with Companies Are People, Too. Using an Up Close and Personal exercise, they created Walt to personify the company. Everyone “met” Walt and knew his favorite food, most prized possession, best trip ever, cars he drove, where he goes for inspiration, what he likes most about himself, what it is he just can’t stand, what he does for relaxation…you get the picture. Walt was introduced at a pep rally to the entire team, who were given WWWD bracelets as a take away. Every existing and new team member refers to What Would Walt Do? as their framework for decision making.
Elford Construction’s “Pop” persona drives behaviors tied to each core value. The “Pop” award is given to the employee who best demonstrates behaviors that align with Pop’s core ideology.
You can find more examples of personified companies and get more resources to help you find your company’s persona on the Companies Are People, Too website.
The drive for consistency is strong in every successful organization. Decisions based on the values and preferences of the company deliver consistency, clarity, and alignment. What are you waiting for? Start your organization on a pathway to success today. Contact Sandra Fekete to learn more and take your FREE trial Companies Are People, Too assessment to get your company moving in the right direction.
Mworks740 • December 10, 2012
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CAP2, companies are people too, company mission statement, company persona, company values, core vales for companies, employee empowerment, empowering employees, framework for decision making, framework for organizational decision making, Marketing Works, mission statements, organizational values, personified companies, Sandra Fekete, Sandy Fekete, successful companies, WWJD