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I just want to know how to get high results and have integrity while
doing different stuff. The interesting thing is, if I am successful in
aligning my beliefs to those of people in a particular part of an
organization, then those people, or my superiors, would probably
think I'd have "integrity." However, in moving to another part of
the organization, I'd have to choose a whole set of new beliefs and
behaviours. The only thing staying constant would be the belief in
what the organization's business was. <<<
Viewpoint: I simply cannot walk into a group and change my beliefs. I
believe what I believe. I might be able to fake it for a while but sooner
or later what I believe will show through and I will than come across as
less than sincere/authentic/truthful; come across as a fake. I have not
heard any recent references but we used to refer to the people who
"adopted beliefs dependent on circumstances" as chameleons. Observation:
Peers and subordinates used the word chameleon but management did not know
these people were being called chameleons. Two of the chameleons I know
today are really struggling to lead their operations in today's
competitive environment.
This is what many of our executives in our floundering companies are
finding out today. They are having a very hard time changing themselves so
they hire consultants to change things for them. The minute the
consultants (internal or external) walk out of the door to the next
customer, the manager still has the same values. They DO THE RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS (Activity Based Leadership - ABL for short) but do not take on the
needed belief change (Belief Based Leadership - BBL). Actions without the
underlying belief system ring hollow to the rest of the organization and
half-hearted commitment ensues. Both Actions and supporting Beliefs are
needed to be an effective leader (A&BBL).
It simply feels to me that people I work with sense the difference between
ABL and A&BBL. Applying this "actions without beliefs" to the general
population in an organization, I pose that people can sense the lack of
"realness", "sincerity", "authenticity" of those who do not have a
personal (written or not) set of beliefs and values which they follow. I
also suggest that it need not be the case of having to adjust beliefs to
the group or situation or company. Why not instead find the organization
which parallels your own beliefs/ values/purpose?
Based on an incidental conversation with my college controller, I worked
on my values, beliefs, etc., prior to entering the Army 25 years ago, and
then prior to joining Dow Chemical 22 years ago. This personal review has
caused me to make significant career changes twice. The most recent change
was still within the larger company of Dow. The first one 22 years ago was
to opt out of the Army into less pay and less glamour at Dow. The
following is my self-talk every year. By the way, it starts with a mental
presumption I am hunting for a place to work.
"_Okay Dave, start with re-visiting your own beliefs, values, purpose,
vision. Find a company or organization which aligns with what you want. Go
to work there. At least annually, examine your personal writings about
what you believe in, your values, your purpose, your vision. Do they
still hold true ? How have they changed? Do your organization's values,
beliefs, mission, and vision have a sense of compatibility or congruency
with yours? If not, do you think you have the influence to change the
organization? Is it worthwhile to fight this "valiant" fight or should you
find someplace else to work? Make your decision and don't look back. Find
the right organization with a future (and present) that you want to
share._" (end thought process)
I have never had to wrestle with whether my company and I were headed in
the same direction with the same general, underpinning values. I'd guess
that this it true because I went hunting for a "certain kind of company"
and found it. I am extremely fascinated that I am one of the few folks at
Dow who regularly reviews our company vision, strategy, core values, etc.
I have to review them to examine whether I fit or not.
It is not bravado to infer I do not need the organization. It is instead a
pragmatic realization that I've known some people who worked for the wrong
company for a long-time and regretted it all of the years of their
retirement, until their death. I decided I would not lead my life that
way. In retirement, I want fond memories of friends and accomplishments
without compromise of my values and beliefs.
As a manager, results were quite good and way above what would be expected
for my relatively "loose ship" way of leading in a command and control
company. But, I was a manager for purposes other than numbers. I also had
very good results as an engineer. I was also an engineer for a purpose
other than numbers. My overriding PURPOSE in life is to help people find
out that life can be fun and constructive! And, that they can accomplish
much more than they presently believe they can. It is my purpose at work
and away from work. When people have fun, and believe in themselves,
results follow. I will close as I have closed newsletters in those
operations.
"Get rid of work as a FOUR LETTER WORD and replace it with a three letter
word - FUN. When we have the right environment, people will say they are
going to FUN instead of going to WORK!"
Have a really great day!!
-- Dave Buffenbarger Organizational Improvement Coach Dow Chemical Company (517) 638-7080 dwbuff@aol.com