A few years back I worked for a company that was acquiring a small “family” company of about 17 employees. We were a start up from a more metropolitan area and the company we purchased was in a smaller rural area. I remember walking in with our CEO and CFO both in expensive suits and noticing the office was more laid back in their appearance, casual clothing and modest decor. I recall their reactions being slightly negative as we were “big corporate” here to change their world. Having done this again, I would have added to our checklist to have an understanding of the office culture to determine if a more business casual approach with a simple collared shirt and pants would have been better.
What other “lessons learned” have others gathered over the years that aren’t necessarily something you would think of adding to a Day 1 Integration strategy?