Weltanschauung
An interesting word. It ranks alongside bier and keller in my grasp of the German language
noun, German (plural Weltanschauungen /ˈvɛltˌanʃaʊ(ə)n/)
- A comprehensive conception or image of the universe and of humanity’s relation to it
- A perception of the world especially from a specific standpoint
- A particular philosophy or view of life; the world view of an individual or group
Another way of putting it is fundamental belief.
What does your organisation believe?
Perhaps it is that:
- Sales targets are the only goal
- Customers are untrustworthy
- Service costs are avoidable
- Profits come first
Why does it matter?
The other day I went into a coffee shop. It was half an hour before closing time and the staff were busy with mops and brushes cleaning the store.
I’d rather not be subjected to the smell of disinfectant and the droning of a hover. Particularly whilst I am idling away half an hour over a cup of coffee. So I left.
The weltanschauug was obvious to me; “We must minimise staff costs”.
It played out as. “You don’t get paid past closing” and “Let’s get the hell out of here when we shut”. Depending on which side of the management fence you sat.
The funny thing about beliefs
Your staff are oblivious to them. They are so used to them they ignore them. Like the screech of aeroplanes to those who live on the Heathrow flight path. The pass by without note.
But they are obvious to your customers.
What is your organisation’s weltanschauung?
What you are, thunders so loud that I cannot hear what you say ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Image by Christina Saint Marche
James,
I’m guessing that if the CEO or the owner showed up, he/she would be appalled. I’ve seen this scenario on Undercover Boss before. Sadly, someone (employee? store manager?) begins this behavior and perpetuates it – and then it becomes the norm.
Until someone has the nerve to put an end to it. (Or the owner does.)
Annette :-)
I suspect you are right Annette
But, surely the CEO or owner sets the conditions that influences the behaviour of the manager and staff, right?
Yes, that is often the case, unfortunately. But sometimes it does happen under their noses without them knowing. Again, Undercover Boss is a great example…