Mocking irony. Snark. Cynicism. They’re very much in vogue, notes Rich Karlgaard, author of The Soft Edge: Where Great Companies Find Lasting Success.
But as Business Report details in a feature from the current issue, they are also toxic to a company’s culture. Once cynicism gets a foothold, it spreads—just like an ill-advised tweet or blog post. If widespread, it’s also a red flag that something is seriously awry in your company.
Cynicism is an expression of the uncertainty that comes from working in an environment where ethics are lax, employees don’t feel valued and information is withheld, Karlgaard says.
When it thrives in an organization, it signals a lack of employee trust—a problem that’s gotten significantly worse over the last generation. Trust underlies effective working relationships. It improves group effectiveness and performance. It underpins organizational credibility and resilience.
All of these factors contribute to creating a sustainable competitive advantage, because trust attracts talent, strengthens partnerships and retains customers.
The good news is you can tap into the strategic power of trust by consciously shifting your company’s culture. Karlgaard has seven tips on how to do it. Read the full feature.
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