I ask this rhetorical question because it’s a question my firm wrestles with. Are we creating an atmosphere that is ripe for personal growth, creativity, high performance and success?
In my work at the Institute with companies far and wide, I must tell you the answer is typically “NO.” And I know you’ll say, “Well that’s them. That’s certainly not my company.” Isn’t it? How would you know? Are you considered a cool place to work?
As usual, I have a check list — this one very short — of some problems most companies have that make your place ‘uncool‘ and probably not inspiring for the people who work there. And a drag on both your top and bottom lines. No insinuation here. Just asking some tough questions so you can take corrective action.
1. Too Much Focus On Money
This happens naturally when things get tough. You forget about working on improving the product–and on serving the customer. And you start worrying too much about margin. You ‘old thinkers’ will disagree, but working on the value of the deliverable inspires people–and creates great margin. At your Exec Retreats, how much time do you spend on making the customer experience better? Does your Business Plan for 2009 have a section on Skill Improvement for your people?
2. Too Many Behavioral Issues
This doesn’t mean dysfunctional issues like harassment and misconduct. It means a more subtle form of mis-behavior. It’s when your leaders and managers don’t inspire your people. It’s when working at our company isn’t a blessing anymore. It’s a job. It’s when there’s too much attention on fixing ‘people problems’ and not enough energy on serving customers. It’s when leaders interpersonal sensitivity is so low it creates tedium in the workplace. It’s when triangulation (gossiping) rules.
3. No Personal Development
It’s a shame how much time and effort companies put into professional training and development. Tom Peters, in one of his recent speeches, quotes 26 hours / year on average that an employee spends in training. Managers? You should be working on yourself 5% of the time. (That’s 100 hours/year–8 hours / month).
“But, Bill, I don’t have time for that. I’m busy as hell.” And as my CEO friend Dave Harding says, “We never have time to do it right. But we always have time to do it over.”
Before you make excuses like “not enough time,” ask yourself the question, “Am I undergoing a massive personal growth spurt?” Or, “Are my people coming to me saying, ‘Wow I want more of that training.?’ If not, then you know the answer. You’re not giving your people enough development.
Bottom Line: “Are you a cool place to work?” “Are you creating an atmosphere that is inspiring, creative and motivating?” Check out your top line revenue number. If it isn’t strong, stop blaming outside sources (government, economy, credit crunch). And start looking in the mirror for your best future. It’s there. You just have to look.
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