Standard work I found an interesting post about standardisation in public services. The post argues that standardisation doesn’t work in the service industry. Each customer or citizen is different and because each citizen is different they want different things. So if you standardise everything and then force your staff to follow the standard process […]
Organisations Create Culture
Organisation noun /ɔːɡ(ə)nʌɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/ A group of people with a particular purpose, such as a business or government department. The way activities are managed and completed. synonyms: company, firm, concern, operation, corporation, institution, group, establishment Culture noun /ˈkʌltʃə/ The ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society. The way we do things round […]
Management Heresy
Heresy — noun (ˈhɛrəsɪ ) An opinion or doctrine contrary to the beliefs of an organisation The act of maintaining such an opinion or doctrine An interesting word And an interesting activity. I often wonder about heretics. Are they a bunch of loony tunes who can’t see how wrong they are? Or are they perfectly […]
A Culture of Fear, Intimidation and Retaliation
The scandal In 2011, a state report to the Governor’s office in Georgia claimed that there was “organised and systemic misconduct” in 44 of Atlanta’s 56 schools. 2 years later 35 teachers, head teachers and administrative staff were brought to trial and charged with racketeering and other offences. The smoking gun The accusations revolved around […]
Should You Dress Like Your Boss?
Conformity Have you ever noticed that people conform? If your boss comes into work wearing a pin strip suit it will spread. Before you know it, there will be wall to wall pin stripes. If your boss is more of a creative type — skinny jeans and a hipster beard — then you can rest […]