The First Step In Corporate Turnaround Is Prevention
Contrary to common belief, a company is not an inanimate object. In fact, there are many similarities between companies and people, companies are living organisms that comprise communities of people that contribute to their distinctive personalities and attitudes. Like us, companies fall sick, due to various reasons such as economic slowdown, competition and incompetent management.
However, there are workable, preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic steps to treat and restore the health of sick companies. Similar to how we manage our health, acompany needs to follow three key steps to ensure and sustain its long-term health, namely prevention, early diagnosis and proper treatment. There are 18 medical principles in corporate health associated with these three steps which will be presented in three parts. The first part is on the first six principles guiding the step on Prevention:
Akin to people, most companies get into trouble simply by neglecting their health. However, the old saying of ‘prevention is better than cure’ applies also to companies.
Principle 1: Laughter and fun are the best medicine
Laughter and fun have been recognised for centuries to be the best medicine. The correct use of laughter and fun in the workplace facilitates learning, and changes people’s behaviour as it helps them feel less threatened by the prospect of change. Laughter and fun have been found to be the best tools for giving the corporate identity a human face.
Disney world is one of the best success stories on the use of this tool. Reputed as a fun place for kids and the ‘kids’in all adults, Disney World has attracted millions of visitors every year. Many visitors also