The Wizard Knows – Help for New Managers
(Sample of the first 4 pages)
“The world is moving so fast,” said the Manager. “It feels like the ground is shifting under my feet.”
“That is the Algorithm,” said the Wizard. “Rapid and unrelenting change is the new norm.”
“Yes, but why do we have to change our company culture? Not everyone likes change,” said Status Quo. “We’re comfortable with the current norms.”
“I thought The Make Life Better Company’s culture was pretty good,” said Remote Worker.
“On the surface things look ok. But that’s the problem,” said Algorithm. “The numbers for employee turnover and engagement are average, but the trend lines are going in the wrong direction.”
“But our figures are better than the industry’s standards,” said Status Quo. “Doesn’t that mean we are doing better than our competition on employee turnover and engagement?”
“Unfortunately, too many companies think that way and they end up being average companies. We don’t want to be average,” said Change Is Good.
HR explained, “Culture is your company’s operating system. It is the sum of all the behaviors that are rewarded, punished or tolerated within an organization.”
“Culture determines accomplishments vs. excuses, sales vs. missed opportunities, quality products vs. complaints, success vs. failure, profits vs. deficits, engagement vs. employee turnover. It’s the gap between excellence and ‘good enough,’” added the Wizard.
“A lack of soft skills training costs the company a bundle in time and money. Soft skill impacts every aspect of business – culture, employee retention and engagement, customer service, quality, sales, cashflow, profits, etc.,” said HR.
“If soft skills are so important, why haven’t we been trained on them before now?” asked the Remote Worker.
“Two reasons: time and priorities. Managers focus on hitting their numbers and doing what the boss needs. The expression ‘Make the Boss Look Good’ still applies in most companies,” said the Wizard. “But it’s time for change. HR has put together a group to climb Culture Mountain at 8:00. You’ll need your hiking boots.”
HR adds: “There are gigantic outside forces hitting businesses all over the world. We can’t change those forces, but we can change how we respond to them. Tomorrow we are going to take a big step forward in dealing with those outside forces. The employees of The Make Life Better Company are going to climb Culture Mountain together.”
Sign Starting line at the base of Culture Mountain
“Good morning. Before we start the climb, I want to make sure everyone is here,” said HR. “If I call your name please raise your hand.”
HR called out: “Wizard, Hiring Manager, Algorithm, Status Quo, Numbers the Accountant, New Manager, Grumpy, Remote Worker, Hiring Manager, Bare Minimum, Change is Good, Underappreciated, The Motivator, The Complainer, Meaningless Meetings, New Hire, Leaving Soon, and The Boss.” Everyone raised their hand except Grumpy, but that was expected.
“I’ve asked The Boss to join us,” said HR.
“I’m here.” The Boss yelled from the back. “Thank you, HR, for organizing this climb. The Make Life Better Company is committed to developing a good culture for all our employees. Let me add one thing.”
Meaningless Meetings didn’t say anything but simply rolled the eyes.
“I want you to know that I’m here to learn. This is an excellent time for me to ‘walk in your shoes’ and listen. So, if it seems that I’m quiet it’s because I’m taking it all in.”
Wizard jumped in, “Our goal today is to finish the climb of Culture Mountain together. Algorithm has given us the Perfect Map. It details the easiest and fastest way to the top. In addition, Algorithm calculated that this morning’s cloudy and rainy weather will change to a sunny day as we get closer to the summit.”
“Who has the Perfect Map and the Culture Flag?” asked HR.
The Motivator called, “I do. We will plant the Culture Flag at the summit for all to see.”
“Great, the Wizard has volunteered to point out places of interest along the path,” HR called out. “Let’s get started.”
As the employees started walking up the path, the Complainer asked: “Why do some companies seem to fly up the Mountain while others never make it to the top?”
“It depends on the quality of people and the company’s efforts to help them succeed. Some companies take shortcuts, but those quick-fix successes do not last,”