March 21, 2009
From Whitney Walpole
ESOP and Employee Ownership
An ESOP can offer business owners a significant opportunity to increase the involvement, creativity and commitment of employees. However, while the ESOP is an important first step in creating ownership, no business owner can buy the heart and soul that drives a high performing, loyal employee. True ownership develops as a result of so much more than promises of financial rewards.
When we began surveying ESOP companies to assess their cultures, we were shocked by the number of employees who still felt disfranchised, viewing the ESOP as a nice benefit, but not any more so than a good healthcare plan. What they said they really wanted was access to more information, a vote that would be counted, increased appreciation for their unique contribution and a regular opportunity to participate in their company’s strategic and tactical decision making.
In the survey, management expressed a desire to get more feedback from employees and to share in decision-making. However, concerns about accountability, efficiency and viability of employee input stopped these same leaders from initiating effective opportunities to develop an ownership culture.
In study after study, organizational culture consistently ranks higher in subjective value over income and benefits as the primary reason people are attracted to a company and the reason why people want to stay in a particular company.
The CORE Business Game:
- Provides an efficient and structured means for employees to think and behave like owners, taking responsibility for their complaints and ideas for change;
- Develops management’s abilities to clearly communicate the issues and opportunities of the business and to listen to the input from their staff;
- Addresses a universal dilemma among ESOP companies — how to invite genuine democratic participation in addressing mission critical issues without reducing the ability of Leaders to lead.
~Whitney
February 6, 2009
From Whitney Walpole
Corporate Culture and Teams
If you want to change the culture of your Company, do it one team at a time and make it a Game. That’s what the CORE Business Game does and it has a profound effect on corporate culture. It gets at the roots of CORE behaviors that directly shape performance and the experiences of fulfillment people have at work.
Only select companies who enjoy uncommon success treat their organizational culture as a valued strategic asset and ensure its optimal health and vitality through proactive measures. A culture is never static; it's always changing. This means that if you don't take specific steps to direct that change, it will evolve on its own - without regard for your Strategic Plan and Vision. An aligned Corporate Culture requires a systematic transformation over time to strategically connect individuals, teams and departments in well-coordinated and consistent outcomes that are ethical and sustainable.
My CORE Business Games have traditionally been played by business teams in either 6-week or 3-month focused initiatives to shift a company's culture and create specific new results. Now, CORE Games are being tailored to provide long-term strategic support for corporate cultures and CORE competence across all business functions.
~Whitney
December 26, 2008
From Whitney Walpole
Network Marketing Training
I've been working with teams of Network Marketing professionals to create a CORE Business Game that plugs directly into their business goals and the desire for financial freedom. If are already part of a Network Marketing business, or are considering one, then I invite you to watch this short video to get a real-world feel for how a CORE Business Game can help you and your associates to achieve your dreams. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
In 2009, the CORE MLM Game will be expanded to many other Businesses. If you think you might be interested in playing a CORE Business Game that is built around your particular goals, objectives and styles then call (303-350-8124) or email me with you particular needs to see if a CORE Game could be provided to your Business.
Here's to a prosperous New Year!
Straight from the CORE,
~Whitney