> If rock groups are businesses, businesses are getting more like rock bands. Workplaces are far more informal than they used to be, with less emphasis on protocol, rank and authority. Many firms try to cultivate the creativity that can come from close collaboration. Employers attempt to engineer personal chemistry, hiring coaches to fine-tune team dynamics and sending staff on team-building exercises. Employees are encouraged to share lunch, play table tennis and generally hang out. As the founder of Hubble, a London office-space company, put it, “We hope that our team will become friends first, and colleagues second.”
The problem is, most of these companies are closer to formula driven Justin Bieber than the less pop-focused (say) Radiohead.
Both have their merits. However, talking the latter while walking the former (or vice versa) creates disconnect - for employees, as well as customers.
Ultimately, culture matters. It's a process. It must be cultivated and curated. It is __not__ a speech or memo from the top that intends to magically everyone with the snap of their fingers.
There's far more to "We're going to innovate..." and "We're going to be creative..." and "We're going to be customer focused..." than simple saying such things.
p.s. Heart and commitment matters. When you think of any great band you can hear their all-in-ness. Those who fake it, are far less likely to make it, and last.
The problem is, most of these companies are closer to formula driven Justin Bieber than the less pop-focused (say) Radiohead.
Both have their merits. However, talking the latter while walking the former (or vice versa) creates disconnect - for employees, as well as customers.
Ultimately, culture matters. It's a process. It must be cultivated and curated. It is __not__ a speech or memo from the top that intends to magically everyone with the snap of their fingers.
There's far more to "We're going to innovate..." and "We're going to be creative..." and "We're going to be customer focused..." than simple saying such things.
p.s. Heart and commitment matters. When you think of any great band you can hear their all-in-ness. Those who fake it, are far less likely to make it, and last.