An organization cannot achieve its vision (if it has one), fulfill its mission (if it has one), or achieve its goals (if it has them) without people.
It’s people who make or break an organization.
Apparently, some leaders of organizations don’t understand this and have created work environments people don’t care to work in. As a result, turnover is high, which makes it difficult to recruit good talent.
An article summarizing a recent study of the worst companies to work in provides a taste of that. You can read the article here. The article’s overriding message is that a bad work environment is created by weak leaders or poor managers and supervisors.
Given today’s competition for good talent, don’t let a bad work environment prevail in your organization.
Leadership Tip
Carefully consider what’s important to the people in your organization, then decide what areas to focus on to improve the environment for them.
To start, here are a few areas to consider:
- Show that you care.
- Eliminate bureaucracy.
- Set up suitable working conditions.
- Treat people with respect and human decency.
- Stay in touch with customers and employees.
- Provide the tools to get the job done.
- Clearly communicate the organization’s vision.
- Provide opportunities for growth and advancement.
- Reduce workload stress and improve work-life balance.
- Make cultural adjustments to reflect demographic changes.
- Ensure they have meaningful work that translates into a valuable contribution.
Not an unreasonable list; however, leaders, managers, and supervisors must deliver each of these for the organization’s short- and long-term success.
To position your organization as a great place to work, it’s up to you as a leader to provide your people with what they need. Let me know if you need help to get there.
