Stupid Is as Stupid Does

[What changes will you need to make?]

In 1994 when Forrest Gump uttered those immortal words in the movie of the same name, was he talking about businesses 2009?

A communications mentor of mine recently made this observation: “Why do we call people stupid when they should be called morons? After all, it takes intelligence to do something truly
stupid!” He explained that the root of stupid is the Latin stupidus = stup(ēre) to be numb or stunned.

Granted, this was hair splitting. Anyway, we don’t knowingly hire morons (a person of borderline intelligence) or idiots (utterly foolish or senseless) to run our business. But in an ever more competitive and complex market, our own business intelligence can be numbed and stunned through habit and events beyond our control.

Layoffs, cutbacks, and pulling other levers that worked previously just may not work in 2009...and even be counterproductive. A crisis offers opportunity beyond survival for those who can conquer their fear of change, anticipate, plan, and then execute intelligent change.

A humorous and true definition of stupidity is to continue to do the same things but expect a different result. Isn’t this also true of continuing to do the same old things in a totally different
environment?

P. Rondeau

Culture Impacts Bottom Line

[Is your environment really compatible to your goals?]

A new survey from Waterstone Human Capital of senior Canadian executives finds that Eighty-two percent of respondents said culture had a strong impact on the bottom line. Those listed in Waterstone’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures reported three-year revenue growth and asset growth 63 percent higher than the top 60 Canadian companies listed on the S&P/TSX 60.

Revenue growth, turnover, and productivity were all positively affected. According to 90% of respondents, the key force behind instilling a successful corporate culture is the company’s leadership. The most successful companies build business models around their culture, according to Waterstone managing director Marty Parker.

Evaluation of the companies included vision and leadership, cultural alignment, measurement and sustainability, rewards, recognition and innovative business achievement, corporate performance, and corporate social responsibility. WestJet, Yellow Pages, Boston Pizza International, Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, and Intuit Canada made the list.

Montreal Gazette (11/29/08)
P. G2