New Economy Companies Seek Priestly Counsel.

Making a clear entry into the increasingly crowded new economy can bring some sobering moments for the wild and wooly start-up. To avoid one of the most pitfalls – the lack of shared purpose and alignment -a group of new economy companies are turning to an unlikely source for help - a priest.

As an advisor to a variety of new economy companies, Steve Lawler, founder of Ethos Consulting is brought in to do what he did as a parish priest - build communities of shared values and commitment.

Start-ups are often not yet realized entities. The technology is in development. The funding is still being worked on. People, processes, marketing plans are all in an emergent state. Religious communities are emerging entities as well. There is still more to do. New things are yet to be realized. The difference is that religious communities are very thoughtful about how they communicate values and identity. Start-ups sometimes stop with t-shirts and the first wave of talent. When you get to 25 employees, things start to get off track. Thats where the work that I do comes in"

Lawlers work is a combination of cultural anthropology and myth creation. The outcome for the client is a clear and actionable story. New hirers, clients and even investors have a map and a compass. Less disruption and fewer surprises occur. Alignment is the natural outcome.

Everyone gets the importance of protocols and policies in the rest of the business areas. What isnt understood is the way that culture makes or breaks successful execution of these practices."

Lawler cites the crash and burn of many dot.coms as examples of this lack of alignment.

Its not rocket science or magic, but it is very hard work. And it is often the difference between an effective ramp up and a debilitating stumble up the mountain."

For more information contact: Steve Lawler, President, Ethos Consulting     swl@e-t-h-o-s.com