Grow your book of business— offer the protection of

rooms for employees while the other has small workstations for all but executives, it may send unintended messages of job importance and regard for employees.

The honeymoon is over

If your merger is a done deal, and you notice things—such as a significant increase in customer complaints, missed or delayed goals or the exit of key staff or clients—your organization may be experiencing a culture clash.

Other cultural clash warning signs include the following:

• product quality problems;

• overt conflicts between employees or departments;

• covert conflicts, such as passing the buck;

• low morale, often evidenced by lower attendance at work and company events; or

• unexpected financial losses, such as a drop in earnings or stock price.

Why Hartford Flood

• Competitive commissions (20% for new business; 19.5% for renewal; and 20% for rollover)

• Brand recognition, with a locally based carrier

• Multi-rater quoting system

• Online quoting, endorsements and policy issuance

• Free flood zone determinations, certified to be accurate

• Dedicated flood sales director assigned to your agency

If your organization is exhibiting these symptoms, all is not lost. Many of these issues can be successfully addressed and return on investment can be improved significantly by identifying and resolving any underlying clashes. Later still is better than never to address your cultural differences.

Harper is founding partner and CEO of Business Advancement Inc. She is an internationally known strategic growth adviser, keynote speaker, co-host of the podcast Growth Igniters® Radio, and author of the critically acclaimed book Preventing Strategic Gridlock . For more information, call (201) 612-1228 or visit www.businessadvance.com.

CURTIS M. PEARSALL, CPCU, CPIA President, Pearsall Associates Inc.