Revisited an old post of mine (from June 2003!)... Not much has changed since then... :-)
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What type of organisation do I want to be in?
Having been part of an incredible start-up at indya.com (lets refer to start-ups as 'S'), and also been part of some well established (W) companies, I have been thinking about the two a lot recently.
Amongst other things, the freedom of a start-up, being part of a creative / innovative product / process from its conception, is something the well established company may not be able to provide. Its really one of the best highs I have experienced. The luxuries of a W, systems in place, small things like leave, increments, etc etc being taken care of, the S can't give.
Being at the cutting edge of technology only in a W is a myth in my opinion because today access to the latest technology is no longer restricted to only the 'biggies'.
In a W you may be part of several high profile projects but you also are one of 100 others who also are. On the other hand the S allows you to be part of a core team working on one big idea, and wholly involved in realising that dream.
As a person i'm not driven by success, ambition and money. This is not to say that i'm casual or laid-back in a work atmosphere. My career is important but the so called 'important' rules of the game don't drive it. I just want to do my best and make a difference.
I’d like to be part of an organisation:
- Where ‘size doesnt really matter, where 'bigness’ need not necessarily relate to scale but to quality and excellence!
- Generates a strong work ethic and work culture that facilitates individuals to contribute to that excellence, and therefore hires people with the right outlook, sensibilities and professionalism.
- Takes utmost care of Quality, Speed and Customer Service, and Profit will take care of itself.
- Is contemporary in spirit and future-looking in terms of technology, product, service quality and mindset. A non-heirarchial, agile and flexible organisation.
- A Learning Organisation, a place of discovery, where work is fun. Where individuals truly develop - professionally and personally.
At the end of the day those are the things that matter to me more than the S or W or any other identity.
