Will the 2010 Winter Olympics mean more business for adventure tour operators?

I'm repeatedly asked how the upcoming Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler will impact our business. While the perception is that companies like ours will be the ones to strike gold during the Games, we're not so sure this will be the case.

Fans of the Olympics who come to the region will be kept busy with attending events, and even more time-sapping, getting to and from their chosen events. Add to that the time taken getting into local restaurants and the myriad of cultural events and ceremonies ... I don't know what time will be left to interact with SuperNatural British Columbia.

At least they'll be able to see the odd bald eagle soaring high above the Sea to Sky Highway on their way to Whistler.

Five Steps to a Corporate Culture Shift

The definition of Corporate Culture is “the collective values, attitudes, and behaviors of the organization’s staff”. Common sense will tell you (and it is borne out by countless studies on the issue) that if your company suffers from low morale, profitability is significantly lower than it could be. Trust me, it’s costing you.

Quantifiable consequences include:

1. Absenteeism
2. Lack of productivity
3. Turnover
4. Poor customer service
5. Sabotage

Have you ever sat beside a coworker who is unhappy in their job? Like a contagious disease, poor morale will spread from individual to individual unless steps are taken to inoculate against it.

In order to eliminate negativity in a corporate culture it is necessary to improve the values attitudes and behaviors of the individuals within the organization. This can be done in five simple steps:

1. Assess the extent and major causes of the problem through a formal cultural assessment survey as well as through an informal interview process.
2. Management must set the tone and lead by example. Progressive managers treat all employees with honesty, respect and dignity. Employees will follow the example.
3. Improve communication. Verbal, written, email, body language communication etc. must be respectful in tone. It is never appropriate to yell, use sarcasm, to condescend, to discipline in front of others.
4. Review employee performance honestly and fairly. Praise whenever warranted. Reward superior performance.
5. Hold regular staff social activities and employee development in order to build trust, camaraderie and as a demonstration that the company values their contributions.

A culture shift requires time, resources, and commitment. The return on investment, however, is substantial.