Conditioned Soul

Isn't it interesting that the larger a company becomes, the less personable it often seems to become, as well ? I can think of very few corporations that have held steadfast to their original mission statements. I really believe that at some point in a company's growth, there is a juncture where principals of integrity are abandoned in favor of bigger profits and additional growth.

As a business enterprise becomes a large public entity, it attempts to develop a sense of social accountability. The more visible a company's brand becomes, the more effort it puts forth grooming its image. But how often do you hear the expression; "Corporate Soul"? It's nearly a contradiction in terms. I have a few thoughts as to why that is.




Having worked at far more companies than the average bear, I can honestly say I've learned a lot. The corporate workplace is, quite often, a battlefield. People and departments clash, personalities often trump principals. In most every business I've worked, I felt that the human resources were that company's most valuable asset. In too many cases, the company placed very little ( ..if any ) emphasis on keeping their people happy. I also learned that the more disgruntled employees a company has, the less efficiently it functions.

Some of today's Fortune 500 monsters are, smartly, becoming keen to this reality. They have effectively turned things around by making employee comfort a primary focus. In the process, hopefully, they have paved the way for the future imitators.

Just look at the three relatively new internet giants Google, Macintosh or GoDaddy, If you've ever spoken with an employee from any of these places, it's hard to find one that doesn't want to sing their company's praises.

A bigger company isn't necessarily a better one. Maybe some of the lack of soul comes from the lack of individual control ? Smaller and sometimes family run businesses seem to display real grace amid expansion. Perhaps a lot of what makes for a successful big company is one that hasn't forgotten what it was like to be a small one ?

Here at Greatest Cape, we're enjoying our current smaller status. Our growth has been very steady and we think the benefit of the membership comes first. While we are not the only social network website in southwest Florida, we are Cape Coral's Premier social website, dedicated to letting members of our community connect with all that makes southwest Florida great...but more importantly, each other !

_Wray