Unaverage Leadership

Death By Committee

Many companies utilize committees to involve employees in giving input or making decisions about the business.  Unfortunately, it is to prevalent that these committees produce few results and a lot of frustration. 

I would recommend that you ask yourself "Why create a committee?".  I believe it boils to a few key points.                                                                        

• Increased profits/stock value
• Supports strategic thinking                                                 
• Reinforces the culture you have or want to create
• Opportunity for personal/professional growth
• Allows top leadership/management to focus on critical business functions

Focusing on these key points will give a clearer purpose for any committee and potentially get better results.  I say potentially for three reasons.  First, leadership must fully support the committees.  Second, there needs to be a high level of organizational trust.  Third, be sure the members of the committees have been trained in running a meeting (at minimum the committee leader).

When creating committees, take the time needed to create success.  One last comment - once they are up and running be sure that you have a system in place to measure results.

Document, Document, Document

Companies with employee-friendly cultures have mastered the art of documentation.  This may sound odd, but documentation is a counter balance to human emotion and the abuses of power.  Sound odd, read on.

Have you ever been told that you do a great job, are important to the company, et cetera. and then when it comes to a pay increase you get a pittance.  Without documentation of performance and how it relates to pay, there is no proof and it is tough to argue for that raise.

The problem employee that disrupts the workplace and lowers productivity.  They should be gone, you want them gone, and finally with a red face and high blood pressure they are terminated.  In a couple of days you are notified of lawsuit.  Without documentation of how you handled this employee's performance, the opposing attorney is going to eat your lunch.

Your excited about your new job.  The potential for growth, money, and power has you giddy!  When the honeymoon is over and you start to ask why these things are not happening you get hollow promises and are told to be patient.  Without a documented employee agreement, you will be waiting for what may never happen.

The employees moral is low, business is suffering, and gossip abounds.  The daily grind of work and the potential of layoffs and job elimination is aging you like being in bottle of vinegar.  Without documentation of how the company will handle a down cycle in business, you will loose your star employees, take years to recover, and potentially close your doors.

No one likes surprises and that is why documentation is critical to profitable business and an employee friendly culture.  Documentation is the road map that will get you where you want to be.

Tough Times Brings Awareness

We are in a period of history when times are getting tough - real tough.  The reality is setting in and all of a sudden there is an awakening happening.  People and organizations are looking at their situation with a new awareness.  An awareness that is pure and not clouded with ego.

Yes, I said ego.  That little voice in our heads that says you are immune to what goes on around you, that you can justify everything you do, and that paints a reality that is not real.  The ego allows us to float through life and disregard what we know is wrong.  The responsibility of what is wrong can be blamed on others when the ego is in control.

When the ego is set aside, then awareness flourishes and new ways of thinking are welcomed, explored and even accepted.  With awareness, organizations and their leaders can start to face the long-term implications of overpaid employees, retirement obligations, lack of benefits, debt and the horrific lack of concern that permeates today's work environment.

No one likes tough times, but I believe these natural rhythms in life are a necessary part of keeping balance, perspective and opportunities for change.  As tough as it may get - and who really knows how tough it will get - open your eyes, hearts and minds to new ways to view your business, your people and how it all fits together.  It is your choice how you view our world today, I view it as a great way to start making a positive difference!

Open The Books - The Minds Will Open

In far to many instances companies drive performance through emotional and subjective processes, reviews, and management. 

There is nothing worse than being told you are not performing as expected and when you ask why there is no valid reason.

Smart companies have recognized that using open book management helps eliminate the emotional and subjective conversations.  Open book management is based on the numbers - the facts (unless the organization is so corrupt it cooks its books).  Business is about numbers - sales, expenses, inventory, profits, cash, stock value and more.

The fundamental purpose of a company is to offer a service that makes money.  If your employees do not understand how their every day actions contribute to the bottom line, I will venture to say that you have a lot of unresolved issues in your company that drive you nuts.

Many owners, CEO's, and management people fear that sharing numbers will destroy their business.  There are thousands of ways to practice open book management and you have to evaluate which way works best for your company.  Start today before your competition beats you to it.  It will give you a competitive advantage!