Contrast in Politics

Okay, so my 2 weeks of watching every night of TV are over and I must say the difference between the two were incredible.

Week one, the DNC was like watching Oceans 11 and week two, the RNC was like watching Cocoon!

Now, it does not matter which party I like because that is not what this post is all about. What I did notice is the change in tone between the two. A change that reflects the speakers. And once again, I can relate it back to corporate culture.

Your corporate culture is made up of the collective personal values of the people who work for your organization. The values of a culture determine the attitudes - the attitudes determine the emotions and the emotions the behaviors. And what did we see? A crowd full of people acting out the values of the speakers giving speeches to them.

The DNC was energized with class-filled speeches. Never mind whether I agreed with their thoughts or not, they elevated the debate above "name calling." Which used to be the DNC's main weapon. Instead, we heard inspiring speeches about possibility and promise.

Then we turn to week two and wee see Grumpy Old Men tearing down the other people. Critical of their speeches, attacking the people and not the ideals. I can remember a few years ago in 2004 when it was the opposite.

But my how things change. Whenever you hire a new person or select a new volunteer, always keep in mind that they will pour their beliefs and values into the culture well that is your company. It doesn't take long before the water in your well starts to smell.

Hire people who fit your culture. Whose ideals and behaviors reflect those of your culture. And let years of experience take a back seat - you can always train job function.