Thoughts from Sandye Linnetz, Systems Goddess, Process Prodigy
"It's not an accident that the best places to work are also the places that make the most money" Gordon Bethune Chairman, Continental Airlines
A positive work environment is about a lot more than desks, computers and a phone system. Sure, if your offices are crispy clean, fully stocked and filled with the furniture and office equipment that dreams are made of, that's terrific. What we're addressing here is not how the office looks; it's the WAY your work environment works for you. Having the proper materials and tools to get the job done is vital, and it's not enough.
Consider the way you and your staff interact. How does it feel to be part of your "team"? Do you all actually like coming to work? What's the stress level? How effective and efficient are you? How high is your level of personal satisfaction?
A positive work environment affords great benefits. We're talkin' about high levels of personal satisfaction, which translates into less turnover, less absenteeism, reduced stress and increased productivity - let alone greater profits!
A positive work environment is one where everyone is focused on a mutual purpose... with identified, set goals to achieve that purpose. Everyone on the team works together and everyone is responsible for results. What have you done to insure that everyone knows what is expected of them and what their job and responsibilities are? Clearly defined job descriptions - created as a joint effort by you and your team - make it easy to define those responsibilities and accept accountability.
How are you communicating?
Okay, sounds great, doesn't it? So, what can you do to improve things around your business? Let's start with open and honest, direct communication.
• Do you speak clearly and make sure that you are understood?
• Do you listen and make sure that you understand?
• Do you work toward consensus rather than dictatorship?
• Do you give and accept feedback willingly?
• Do you identify and face conflicts and problems fairly - without hesitation?
• Are you open to new ideas, diversity and other opinions?
• Do you give and accept feedback about progress and concerns?
• Are you free with recognition and praise?
It is vital that, within the organization, you care about each other as people; that you empower each other... encouraging learning and growth. There must be an atmosphere of trust and integrity; knowing that you can rely on each to do the right thing for the right reasons. People must feel that they are valued; for both their opinions and their actions.
Your most valuable resources are you and the people you work with, so the atmosphere in which you work defines the value you place on those resources. A healthy work environment WORKS!
© 2007 Beth Schneider, Process Prodigy, Inc.
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Beth Schneider, President of Process Prodigy Inc., www.processprodigy.com, has a team of highly sought after operations consultants who reveal the insider secrets billion-dollar corporations pay thousands of dollars for. Specializing in process creation, her tools and techniques have helped entrepreneurs increase productivity by as much as 600%, and revenues by as much as 250%. Visit www.processprodigy.com and sign up to receive her Ezine, “Your Tips” and for a FREE Report on how to Save Yourself Time Energy and Money.
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