The Top 10 Corporate Laws of Nature

A note from Gene...

You may have noticed that this month’s newsletter has a new look – for a good reason. It corresponds with the introduction of my new website, www.geneglatter.com. Putting together a web site is no easy task. To me, it was important that I portray an accurate picture of who I am as a coach and as an individual. For those of you who know me, you won’t be surprised to find the website simple, direct and nature-focused. I am a great lover of nature. This is not only because of its beauty but because I am a perpetual observer of the laws of nature – the way things are. The sun rises and sets each day. The seasons unfold in sequence each year. There’s just no getting around this. Similarly, my experience as an executive coach has taught me that there are also corporate laws of nature - simple truths that never fluctuate in the work environment. Align with them, and you’ll thrive as a leader. Work against them and you will struggle. For this month’s issue, I’ve compiled my top 10 list of the corporate laws of nature. Read on to remind yourself of these undeniable truths. They will foster your effectiveness as a leader.

The Top 10 Corporate Laws of Nature

"You’ve got to learn to live with what you can’t rise above." ~ Bruce Springsteen

1. Everything changes. Nothing stays the same including employees, revenue, operations, bosses, job descriptions, job security, systems, processes or office locations. Resisting change is a waste of time and energy.

2. You have one cup of energy to expend in any given day. Spend it wisely. Don’t waste your precious time and energy on things that don’t really matter.

3. Don’t forget to put on your leadership boots. Confidence is king – and it needs to be authentic. If you don’t believe in yourself as a leader, neither will anyone else.

4. If there’s a hole in your bucket of self-esteem, it cannot be plugged by external validation. Only by aligning your thoughts, words and actions with your truest values can self-esteem be bolstered.

5. People work hardest on goals they have had a hand in setting. Make it a common practice to solicit the ideas of others, particularly when you’re attempting to influence without authority.

6. Abuse of any kind (e.g. anger, ridicule, sarcasm, gossip) can create irreparable damage and generates negativity that permeates far beyond its initial point of impact.

7. Positive reinforcement promotes growth and well- being in the workplace. By finding people doing things right and letting them know about it, creativity and inspiration are naturally fostered.

8. Judgment (of self or others) is the superglue that prevents positive change from taking place. Give yourself and others a break. We are only human and we make mistakes.

9. Uninterrupted time and undivided attention build loyalty and inspiration. They are two of the greatest gifts you can give to any coworker at any level.

10. Trust is the foundation of all good working relationships. Like fertilized soil, trust creates the proper environment for creativity to thrive.

These corporate laws of nature surface frequently as themes in the coaching sessions I conduct. They can also be used as great topics to discuss during team building meetings. If you are interested in learning more about these types of topics or about executive coaching, please visit my website at www.geneglatter.com.