Of shepherds, sheeps, and integration success

Two mega corporate mergers in my 15 years career. I was part of the marriage deal between a 200 years old European company called Danzas, and AEI (Air Express International), a successful corporation in the US then.

Both gave themselves two years to harmonize any differences and work the right balance. They listed in the "will" the people, assets, liabilities, and share of voice on both sides. They adopted both names and called themselves DANZAS AEI. Quite a fair marriage.Two years later, Danzas AEI took DHL as a partner. This time, the decision was swift. They decided to bury Danzas and named the combined entities DHL, due to its global brand equity. 

These integrations taught me many things. However one thing prevails. People work for people.
The key team who cut the deals - Danzas, AEI, and DHL, are mostly around, fiercely loyal, and the best talents in the industry. They went on to achieve many great things in the corporate history.

A corporation can change directions many times. They can rewrite new mission statements and core values. They can rebrand themselves. They can acquire new assets and buy more companies. All these can be done in a controlled fashion. When it comes to matters of the heart - people's attitude, values, belief, respect - they look only to their leaders for guidance.  No amount of carrots dangling can move your people to do what they don't believe in, unless you have nurtured strong shepherds to herd the sheeps. Don't omit the good shepherds from the will for they determine the success.