Organizational Culture
Over the past 30 years, there have been a lot of acquisitions, mergers and consolidations among U.S. businesses. I’m afraid that dog won’t hunt…if you want the ownership, courage and commitment of employees on the front lines.
You need the commitment and courage of a Momma Grizzly bear protecting hungry cubs.
The secret is tracking performance to goals with boundaries of performance AND create a story line that others want to be a part of and tune in to. The last emotion you want is people to get the befuddled look of confusion when asked about goal performance…and an agonizing answer “what goal?”
The idyllic leaders of many large corporations simply ran the table focused solely on numbers. Critical mass, ROI, efficiency…all the statistically relevant measurements…mostly gained without an engaged workforce. The corporations didn’t need to. The only measure was profit and efficiency. No need to engage employees.
That’s why the Gallup survey shows disengaged employees cost about 1 in 3 payroll dollars.
There was no need to engage employees, as too often employees were merely pawns on a huge chess board…and the result is American business has failed to balance their focus on profits and people.
The catastrophic collapse of the financial system hinged on the boundaries of arrogant, dismissive and greedy behavior. If you’re one of those organizations…get honest, be vulnerable and soak up truth…quickly.
The heart of leading, tracking and engaging is the individual who understands what makes humans tick.
As you track your goals…check out these money shots.
…Most won’t pay to prevent a problem, but will do everything possible to fix the leaks when you spring a hole in your stately business ship. The smoker keeps smoking but will move heaven and earth and spare no amount of money to cure his cancer.
You’ve got to adjust this behavior so that you prevent problems if possible.
…The quickest way to connect with someone is to share a common bond. Semper Fi, Hooah and Hoorah…all powerful bonds of connection among our nation’s brightest soldiers. Create a common bond with employees.
…Stop the arguing. You’re likely raising your blood pressure and irritating them. We’ve suffered too long under the delusion that business must kill the competition as it seems in politics as well.
…We will focus harder on protecting what we have than acquiring more, so give employees a reason to protect what they have. Engage with honest dialog; embrace their worries and personal concerns.
It is time for new memories if you haven’t engaged in the company goals and direction. You’ll love to protect that sense of ownership and personal accountability.
That dog will hunt if you have the courage to put the collar and leash in the bag.