Earlier in this blog, I discussed the importance of developing a "culture of candor." This is a phrase used frequently in Jack and Suzy Welch's book Winning. Unfortunatly, in many business cultures, "candor" is spoken about, but not truely esposed. Are there times when drinking the corporate "Kool-Aid" is positive for the company as a whole?
This largely depends on the risk tolerance of the individual. If you are a person who is unafraid of being viewed as a troublemaker, then it is unlikely that, provided criticism is constructed positively that there is any situation where drinking the "Kool-Aid" is positive. I have yet to find a company that operates free of challenges, irregardless of size or scope. Having the courage to challenge the status quo within your company, provided it is carried out within the appropriate organizational structures of the company, is almost always rewarded. However, if you have medium risk aversion in your career, it may be to your advantage to find a leader among your peers to support you prior to taking your concerns to your superiors. However, even those with some risk aversion, can and should present their beliefs to their superiors in a candid manner.
Only in a case where an individual fears for their job, or fears a demotion, should they remain quiet. These individuals are also well advised to be looking for other employment anyway as they are clearly not in a healthy employment environment for themselves.
Keep in mind that your idea may transform your company, or at least lead to a larger transformation. I will discuss my own discoveries about how some of my candor and creative thinking lead to a positive result for a former employer on Wednesday.
Minding My Own Business is a blog written by Augustine Iacopelli. This blog consists of a mix of general business observations and contrarian positions on relevant topics as well my own forays in the world of business and networking.
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