On a recent engagement with a very small organization, I came across a phenomenon that unfortunately, is all too common. A major top-level shift was taking place and a search was on for a new senior executive. The very well-intentioned search committee was made up entirely of board members, with no other constituents represented.
As the process went on, the search committee, and the larger board seemed to have forgotten about the employees who were continuing to run the organization. Contact was minimal, and at no time did anyone ask the employees what qualities and qualifications they thought would be important to seek in a new senior executive. The board members thought they knew better than the employees even though none of them had ever spent time inside the organization.
As time went on with no results, the employees became more and more discouraged. This normally very upbeat, positive culture was slowly withering and becoming negative. As I spent time with the employees, it was very obvious to me that all they really needed and wanted was for someone to listen to them. They felt undervalued and under appreciated due to the fact that at no time did the search committee ask them for input on the new hire. As a result, the remaining employees were becoming disengaged and have moved from being passionate about their work, to feeling constantly frustrated. Talk of new jobs and greener pastures abounded.
What could have happened differently in this scenario? The search committee could have included an employee or two. The search committee could also have spent some time in the organization digging into the day-to-day tasks to find out where the skill gaps were, find out what the employees would value in a senior leader, and express a desire to hear the employees’ input. These small actions would have made for a smoother process.
Our employees are our most important asset. Without employees, our companies cannot function. When we value our workers, and treat them with respect, they will return that respect with abundance. Using our employees as valued strategic partners, we can accomplish much more than we can alone or just by directing others to perform.
Tap into the knowledge, ideas and passions that lie inside your workforce. Ask them for their opinions, encourage them to share ideas. Give them input into decisions that are being made that will have a direct effect on their environment. Let them be heard, and value them for the strategic partners that they really are.
An engaged and empowered workforce will be more productive; the resulting culture will be strong, vibrant and positive. Give some thought to how you engage your employees as strategic partners. If you’d like some help in that area, we are happy to work with you to achieve an engaged and positive workforce.
