Give Me Three Steps

I’ve been thinking about what it takes to move from identifying problems in the workplace…long entrenched ones…to solving them and how difficult that can be for so many organizations. Sure, it’s easy to say things need to change, but often only a new face replaces the ‘source’ of the problems.

New faces cannot solve problems alone however. There must be organizational commitment to improve and that frequently involves change on a meaningful scale.

Let’s be honest, changes around the periphery are not real improvements…they are just easy adjustments…and easy does not get the job done.

From my perspective there are three clear actions required if meaningful problem-solving (read here —> lasting change) is to occur:

1. Crystal clear identification of the problem, process or person

2. A specific set of actions that will immediately begin to move the needle

3. A commitment to sustain the change even when it starts to feel uncomfortable

No clarity?

No commitment?

No results. 

It’s that simple.

What do you think?

Thank you for being here.

Jay

pic

I Was Hoping You'd Change

A quick story....years ago I worked at a health system, and at the time was leading the employment and employee relations teams. One of the long-time IT managers had a growing problem in his department between two of his team members. When I asked him what he was doing about it (the issue had deteriorated so badly that I was made aware) he simply stated "they are adults and should be able to figure it out."

Sigh.

Yes, they should be able to...and...no, they absolutely are not able to. That is why you need to lead the team, build rigor into the leadership culture, and not hide behind your insecurities and hope for the best.

Show of hands: how many of us have been frustrated with leaders that won't hold their team members accountable?

I believe I see everyone's hand in the air. 

But why? This was a real issue in my organization thirty years ago...how can this still be a persistent problem today?

I do know the answer, and it's a simple one.

Fear.

Fear of confrontation.

Fear of looking ineffective in the eyes of others.

Fear is a real thing. Sadly, many managers are not equipped to address those fears (at least not yet.) That's where we as HR leaders come in...we need to support the managers so they will have the competence and confidence to handle difficult issues.

What do you think? Are your leaders people leaders; or, do they simply manage processes and hope everyone plays nicely together?

Thanks for being here.

Jay

pic

More Than This

"You can never think big enough"

I absolutely love this phrase. It hits every facet of life. 

It challenges how we think?

It challenges how we make decisions.

It challenges us to do more...be more...achieve more.

It helps us break through the malaise of 'how it's always been done.'

It is the push we need to see...when our own vision can't do it on its own.

What areas of your life need you to think bigger? Home? Work? Community?

I think it's time to get started.

Thanks for being here.

Jay

pic

Leadership Means Your Local Community Too

There is so much written about effective leadership practices inside our organizations; however, there is a crucial element of leading that has nothing to do with strategic plans, people strategies or revenue goals.

Consider the not-for-profit organizations in your community. So much important work being done, yet those organizations could never afford to hire you (in most cases.) Your ability to impact those around you is limitless, yet it is rarely hardwired into the leader expectations in the organizations where we work.

Why is that?

Is it the never-ending pressure to meet goals, hit a new 'important number', meet yet another deadline, and deliver on expectations; or, is it simply that most organizations don't care?

Perhaps that's a bit inflammatory...well...I've worked in organizations where community commitment was never discussed.

I want to be part of an organization that believes the impact we can have on the community is just as important as the one we have in the office, patient's room, or Board room. 

Imagine what it would feel like to be part of that corporate culture.

Now that is something to get fired up about! How are you going to make that happen in your world?

Thanks for being here.

Jay

pic

HR Can Be the Culture Game-Changer

Getting to the point today about culture.

Know your business and how it makes money regardless of tax status. How can you explain the reasoning behind some of the most difficult decisions if you don't fully understand how your organization generates revenue?

Know your people that do the work and how they feel about doing it. You need to build real connections with people and implement sophisticated listening systems to fully understand your risks, vulnerabilities and employee sentiment.

Live the culture that is posted on the wall and is discussed at orientation. Talk is cheaper than ever. Everyone is watching your behavior, make sure it reflects your organization's mission, vision and values.

Support the team you lead in actions, not just words. Show your team that you value them by giving as much control away as you possibly can.

You can't build a world-class culture if HR is not willing to lead every step of the way. It is simply impossible.

So, who's willing to be vulnerable, take risks, and show every member of the organization that they matter just as much as you believe you do?

Thanks for being here.

Jay

pic

Life Burns Faster

Is it me, or are we suddenly moving at light speed? 

Work life is at full throttle with AI, M&A, TA, and a whole host of other abbreviations. Our personal lives seem to be moving faster too. Maybe that is just me lately?

So how do we somehow find a moment to reflect on what is happening around us, and sometimes to us, and maintain a level of balance that not only allows each of us to navigate our personal storms, but to enjoy the journey we're on?

I wish I had an easy answer.

Perhaps it is the intentional act of scheduling time?

Or, maybe it's just a momentary pause during a difficult moment?

A quick walk or coffee stop might help.

Meditation or prayer can be significant sources of peace in the storms of life.

Or it might just be that we need to stop worrying about 'solving' this challenge; and instead, keep it top of mind and tackle it in different ways at different times?

No easy answers. But if we ignore the pressure, we risk life burning us up unnecessarily.

Thanks for being here.

Jay

pic

 

Thinking Time

Crazy busy.

We're just so busy.

Life's been busy.

Never been busier.

I can't get caught up because I'm busier than ever.

Wait a second!

There has been plenty written about busyness and its negative effect on us all. Yet, you and I hear that same old 'busy list' every week.

I find that the posts describing the 'right' self-care, inspirational messages, and leadership effectiveness quotes often tell us things we know we should be doing, but we still find ourselves trapped in an endless cycle of never actually changing our behavior.

Maybe you feel that way too?

A quick story: 

Many years ago I was exploring getting my PhD with my Health System CEO who had his doctorate. His primary point for me was that a PhD was usually a personal achievement, and if that was what I was after I should go for it. However, if I wanted to actually improve my effectiveness in the organization I should instead schedule two hours of thinking time each week  (yes, put it on my calendar.) 

He said the pace of our work lives never actually give us much time to think things through (oh the busyness!)...instead...we're constantly hustling from one meeting to the next without ever really examining all of our options to be the best.

I scheduled the time on my calendar, and quickly dropped the PhD plan. 

How do you slow down and simply think once in a while?

Thanks for being here.

Jay

pic