Leadership Tip
Symbols and Signs
This past weekend was the
40th anniversary of two musical symbols,
Woodstock and the taking of the picture
on the cover of the Beatles' Abbey Road album.
This famous photo showing the four musicians
walking across a crosswalk in London
has been recreated on thousands of tourist cameras
and on several other album covers over the years.
Both of these events represent more
than just music- they represent
cultural change.
Symbols and signs also help
define an organization's culture.
They can take many forms.
For example the space planning
of an office can symbolize its values.
Executive dining rooms have diminished
while employee lunch rooms
often get the best view.
Parking spaces can send a message.
Some are held for executives as a perk
while others are reserved for the
employee of the month. Still others
offer unreserved spaces for all.
I know of one company where
the founder's office was left
vacant years after his death.
This symbolized the respect for his legacy.
Other organizations would
rebuild the office right away to
show the desire to move in a new direction.
What are the symbols in your office?
What messages are they conveying?
Having an awareness not only of the symbols,
but of the messages they send,
will help you create a culture that
reflects the values and vision you desire.
Leadership Tips Archives
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2005
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Is Your "To Do" List a "Wish To Do" List?
The H1-N1 Virus is Not the Only Thing You Can Catch from Others
How Are You Punctuating Your Life?
What Do You and The President Have in Common?
How Much Static is In Your Communication?
Do I Need to Go to Oz to Get Courage?
What Can Cleaning Out Closets Teach You About Your Organization?
What Do Hiking and Meetings Have in Common?
What is in your Garden of Possibilities?
Are You on the Verge of Emotional Bankruptcy?
What Do Titles Have to Do With Success?
What Can Airport Restrooms Teach Us About Acknowledgement?
Seeing is not Always Believing
Newsworthy Ideas to Handle Anger
Trust =
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The Boss Delivers a Powerful Message
What is Important "Why" and "How"?
