More and more we are seeing some common themes in workplaces that are at the core of their frustrations, inefficiencies, lawsuits/employee complaints and non compliance. When relationships suffer and important components of good relationships are not in place, such as respect, trust and support for one another, the work related is bound to be in jeopardy. Some of the issues I find when sorting through such relationships are:
- Partner disagreements - costing the business in significant ways, at times dissolving the business as a result of not tending to this.
- Employee Conflict
- Poor employee relations
- Lack of good communications- regular meetings ARE important, you have to make time for them, they make all the difference to good business management
- Ego!!! Ego!!! Ego!!! - always gets in the way; no one is a winner when this takes over!
- Unclear direction, insufficient written policies and documentation - missing or outdated position descriptions, employee handbooks, performance management
If you look at the businesses that are rated highly by employees and clearly successful the common theme is all about the people! Senior management has to serve as a role model for building and maintaining strong relationships. I always tell my clients..you have to genuinely "love people"...that is what matters most in life..period! Actions should always be centered around how they will affect "people" (clients, customers, patients, co-workers,staff). Take a look at Wegmans as one good example!
Too often our own insecurities come out in the form of need for power, importance or dominance. What is healthy to reflect upon is...why does any of this matter? Who is really impressed by someone with the characteristics of those that have this need? Every position in any organization is important or it wouldn't exist. Each position serves as a critical piece to business success or why would you have it? EVERYONE needs to be treated as important as they are to a business!
Effective business leaders possess traits such as:
- Good listeners
- Diplomatic and collaborative
- Understands that we ALL have something to teach but we ALL have something to learn
- Fair, honest and objective
- Provides regular feedback and constructive criticism for employee growth and the highest productivity
- Leads by example
- Understands the value of each and every employee
- Cares about people
- Ensures actions are Ethical
- Can and will recognize their own strengths and areas needing development
- Recognizes the importance of serving as a mentor/coach; it is a core responsibility that takes time and effort to be effective...and well worth the time
- Anticipates problems and difficulties and proactively prepares steps to effectively handle them
- Understands the importance of being a strong leaderand how it direclty effects the bottom line
- Maintains/Creates a culture of caring and respect for each other
- Shows appreciation to others - there is great power in two words.."Thank you".. use it often
- Recognizes there is no place or value to EGO!
The important message here is that it requires time and effort to ensure strong relationships exist. It is not only worth the time but necessary to take the time if you want your business/organization to thrive!
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