January is the ideal time to align your company’s strategy with your employees’ to help them achieve their goals while supporting the company's vision. Almost all industry segments are experiencing workforce shortages, so it makes sense for leaders to focus on retaining employees.
There is a famous quote attributed to Peter Drucker, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." No matter how elegant, well-researched and detailed your plan for the new year is, it still requires people to implement it.
Approaches for Meeting Employee Goals
Inc.com reports that 60% of people make New Year’s resolutions but only 8% achieve them. Traditional New Year resolutions are often about giving something up. It is better to strive towards something rather than to seek avoidance.
It’s great to have a sign by the door that reads "431 days without an accident" but it is more effective to actively engage in a safety program. Recognize team members for taking precautions, wearing protective gear and communicating about risks with each other.
Ask team members about their learning needs and career advancement goals, then connect these clearly with business goals, and if possible, with peer mentors with the same interests. If you have the resources, pay for employees to take a class or attend a conference on the topic they identified.
Since the pandemic, informal "water cooler" conversations have been disrupted. Seek out methods to engage employees with each other to enhance compassion and creativity.
One of my favorite business books is True Alignment by Edgar Papke. His hypothesis is that leaders lack a framework for creating a sound vision and strategy for their cultures. He provides a list of "culture keys":
2. Planning & Goal Setting
3. Problem-Solving
4. Decision Making
5. Conflict Management
6. Incentives & Rewards
8. Role Definition
9. Customer Interface
10. Teamwork
11. Structure
12. Values
If you want some support to strengthen your corporate culture, contact SWB Consulting Services for a complimentary consultation.
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