"You will be far more useful in production than in human resources, I am issuing a transfer order" said the General Manager of the Plant where I was working 20 years back. I was an “HR specialist” who had just joined this Plant after completing my two year specialisation in HR from a reputed Institute.

As the economy continues to slowly rebuild, I’ve been struck by the culture rebound several companies seem to be experiencing. During the recession, many business leaders chose to neglect or cut back on their culture in order to focus on other efforts. In a few companies, executives choose to continue to invest in their culture and they’re starting to see the pay off.

I’m reading Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh this week, a book about the happiness movement that began with Tony Hsieh and Zappos.com’s culture.  The content is brilliant…readable and authentic while informative and thought provoking.  And, the ultimate message for leaders couldn’t be more relevant: culture matters.  Tony says that the brand success of Zappos is a lagging indicator of its culture,