Passing The Baton: Create an Intentional Corporate Culture

Passing the Baton features a series of “letters” sent from Terry Corman, outgoing CEO of Firehouse Image Center (Indianapolis, Indiana) to his son, Ted Corman, who will be leading the business into its future. This series of communiques offers thoughtful views of a business undergoing generational transition, glimpses of the company’s history, and strong views of the realities of leadership. 

There are times when you run a small business you are ‘working on the business,’ and sometimes you end up ‘working in the business’. We have all had to go into production and lend a hand from time to time. Your job will to be work ‘on the business’ as much as possible.  

I have eight ‘working on the business’ items that I held myself accountable for over the years.  I wasn’t perfect, maybe not even good, but here they come, one at a time.  

All businesses have a corporate culture, whether the CEO knows it or not. That culture arises from the quality of the people working in the business, and the reasonableness of the leaders making decisions. If hiring is haphazard and decisions are arbitrary, a business will have a poor culture – some workplaces actually get described as toxic.  

Having an outstanding corporate culture is the foundation for highly successful businesses, and part of your job is to be intentional in the development of your corporate culture. I know you want to have an excellent place for your fellow employees to work. On a personal basis, here is what I recommend.  

First ‘seek to understand, then to be understood.’ My goodness, how that quote from Steven Covey stands the test of time. Listen to others. 

Second, keep your promises. You never know how important a promise you make might be to the person asking. Now, sometimes a promise takes a while to be kept. I know that from experience. But don’t make promises you can’t or don’t expect to keep. Period.  

Third, be empathetic and generous. I know you will, because that’s who you are. 

More to come.