“Culture eats strategy for breakfast” (and lunch and dinner)! This famous quote came from legendary management guru Peter Drucker and still holds true today. Particularly in today’s turbulent times. Recent research from Gallup certainly backs up this point, when they uncovered that businesses are at an increased advantage and more resilient if employee engagement is strong.
In fact the opportunity and vulnerability is magnified during a crisis.
Gallup identified five key elements that best differentiated resilient business cultures from the others:
1) Clear expectations – during tough times, employees need managers who reset priorities, involve them in re-establishing their goals and constantly clarify their role.
2) The right materials and equipment. As work changes ongoing discussions about what resources are required is essential to minimise stress and improve performance.
3) Opportunities for employees to do what they do best. An employee’s ability to leverage their strengths in a crisis is the difference between moving toward opportunity and falling victim to circumstances.
4) Connection to the mission. Employees need to see how they and their work fit into the bigger picture. How they can impact something significant and know their work matters.
5) Co-workers committed to quality work. All team members need to be dedicated to high quality efficient work. It is essential that teams within an organisation rely on and respect one another’s work.
Resilient and thriving businesses are committed to identifying and developing the best managers, who function more as coaches than bosses. It’s through a coaching style of leadership that these managers continually connect with their teams.
How well do you as a leader stack up when it comes to the above five key elements?
Roger Simpson – CEO, The Retail Solution and Author of “The Ultimate Retail Sales Experience” With over 35 years’ industry experience, Roger Simpson is recognized as Australia’s #1 Authority on customer ROI in the retail industry and as a global expert on staff coaching, customer service, and selling skills.
