Organisation is spelled with a “z”
Depending on which side of the Atlantic you are on, you either use “s” or a “z” when you spell organisation. (Maybe it depends on the word processing software you use? 
I also do not profess to have the competencies of a linguist. But I try) Anyway, little did I realize that one alphabet would be the cause of a flurry of emails. It all started with an email campaign. By the way, yes, email marketing still works and yes, it is effective too.
So we now have this email all done up for final approval of the CEO and being in Canada, where we still use the Queen’s English, (or at least I think we do), the word organisation was spelled with a “z”: and centre with a “re”not “er”. So far so good! As the email made its way through the team, one individual noticed this and brought to the CEO’s attention.
What started off as a gentle reminder to the office staff on the difference between American English and British English became an all out war between the linguists and the not-so-informed general populace. Bottom-line: the CEO vetoed the linguists - the “s” was replaced with “z”, while retaining “centre”.
What’s the point of this story, you ask?
- In some small businesses the CEO is the almighty. Absolute power rests with this individual.
- You have the option to leave the organization, but never question the CEO.
- On topics that you can vote, you have half a vote while the CEO has two.
- The CEO is only accountable to shareholders and s/he owns all the shares.
- Tasks for the day depend on the CEO’s whim and not what is good for the organization.
- What is good for the organization is not necessarily what the CEO wants.
- Sales figures are growing but so is the employee churn rate.
- The CEO constantly complains, “Only I can do the job right”.
- You were the best employee before you joined but once you do, you cannot do it right.
- You are constantly reminded as to who pays your salary.
- Responsibility without authority is commonplace.
If you are an employee in a small business and are facing any of these situations - run. Get out because you will not perform to your potential. If you are an individual considering joining a small business, look out for these signs. There are other small businesses out there that are managed better. It is a pleasure to work for such small businesses, but keep away from small businesses with the above traits.
If you are a small business owner and see a resemblance of your actions, you are destined to remain a small business. Or worse - fail. Perhaps you may grow in the short term. But business is about sustainability. What is the point of growing when you can’t sustain it?
The point is not what English you use. The point is how you treat your employees.
[Edit: May 4, 2007 - This is an excellent post by Guy Kawasaki on the same topic: LinkedIn and the art of avoiding the asshole boss
