Doesn't Zell Know That "Shock & Awe" Won't Build Engagement?
Sam Zell is traveling the U.S using a series of “pep-talks” laced with profanity to shock the Tribune Co.’s 19,000 employees to be more creative or risk seeing their jobs disappear.
We aren’t so sure that profanity and fear is the best way to motivate people to embrace new ways of doing their jobs. As engagement specialists we know that highly engaged cultures are characterized by trust, direction, a clear sense of purpose and inspiration.
Profanity, fear and shocking employees won't build purpose and inspiration in employees over the long haul. Certainly Zell is under the gun, but be believe that there are better ways to help every employee embrace the new culture of creativity by helping them to think differently about their jobs and the risks they can take. Building transparency and trust starts at the top. Reminding employees that the failure of the Tribune deal will have no impact on his billion dollar lifestyle - certainly wouldn't motivate most to become more creative. In fact, it may just have the opposite effect of creating a "keep a low profile and keep your job" attitude amongst employees. People take risks when they feel protected and safe - fear and shock just won't motivate or change the masses.
There is no doubt that this will be an interesting case study as to whether or not someone with no newspaper experience can turn around the 126 year-old bureaucratic culture in a depressed industry. I only hope that he doesn’t lose sight of the the fact that these are 19,000 employees (not real estate assets) whose livelihoods depend on the success of this “shock and awe” strategy.
Let us know what you think.
Comments
Say good by to the Tribune Co. as we know it today for surely it will disappear as will most of it's talented and vital employees provide a bit of shock and awe themselves.
Posted by: R.Noonan | April 7, 2008 11:04 AM