Regions rich in natural resources have the great advantage of being in the position to look after number one.  Texas is no different.  This particular state has traditionally identified with the image of the Lone Star, distinguishing itself from the remainder of the US both culturally and financially thanks to its success in the oil industry.

It goes without saying that such an independent or competitive outlook lends itself to the business sector.  Closing the sale and chasing new business involves a certain element of competition and independent risk-taking which is largely encouraged by rewards such as offers of promotion and personal bonuses.  The problems arrive however when competition starts to chip away at professional relationships. 

Since my arrival at Wood Group I have been struck by the caring ethos that defies the Texan Lone Star rhetoric.  Rather than climbing over each other to get ahead, there seems to be a genuine sense of caring: baby showers are thrown for the wives of employees; management covers the cost of employee tuition fees and the college temp is encouraged to “give Business Development a go” in order to better her future career – the emphasis appears to be placed on the family man rather than the businessman who happens to be married with 2.4 kids.  When asked why she enjoyed her job, one employee in the Finance department replied, “…because of him next door”.  In short, The Wood Group cares about its employees as well as the work they turn in. 

The advantages are fairly obvious.  As a result, employers may expect greater loyalty from workers; there is a lower staff turnover; such an approach also allows for a happier environment – something which, in turn, is likely to boost productivity – this is where we spend most of our time after all.  So it is a win-win situation. Surely then professional success requires a happy medium of competition and consideration of others in equal measure.

What do you think?  Is a dog-eat-dog environment conducive to the business world, or are we simply barking up the wrong tree?           

“Trying to do well and trying to beat others are two different things” Alfie Kohn