Balancing Business Success and Employee Growth - Darryl Hawkins
Early on in my career, I observed challenges with leadership and frontline employees. This led me on a mission to understand the drivers regarding the “whys” and improvement. I leveraged research to explore the significance of culture and growth while maintaining a strong partnership between frontline and management employees. The purpose of the qualitative, phenomenological study was to explore the partnership and culture between employees and management. Also, examine how management employees perceive their role in increasing a stronger relationship. Working in business for over 30 years, as well as leading unionized organizations for over 20 years, provides a first-hand purview of the discourse between management and the front-line employees that they lead. Understanding the significance of the relationship between the first and second-level leaders and the employees that they lead is invaluable. Changes within many workplaces are occurring across the country; this evolution is at the heart of their business.
Reductions in force, as well as an increase in responsibilities, are becoming a norm in many organizations. Achieving the balance of driving organizational success and nurturing employee growth and satisfaction is crucial. It requires a leadership approach that prioritizes both results and people. Embracing servant leadership and transparency is essential for creating a culture where employees are empowered, held to high standards, and feel valued and fulfilled. At the core of balancing business success with employee growth is the concept of servant leadership.
A Servant leader puts the needs of their team first, fostering an environment where employees can thrive. This leadership style focuses on listening, empathy, and support, ensuring that team members have the resources and encouragement they need to develop their skills and achieve their goals. By prioritizing the growth and well-being of employees, servant leaders create a motivated and engaged workforce that is more likely to contribute to the organization’s success. Transparency is another critical element in balancing business success with employee satisfaction. Transparent leaders communicate openly about the organization’s goals, challenges, and performance, building trust and fostering a culture of honesty and accountability. When employees understand the bigger picture and how their work contributes to the organization’s success, they are more likely to feel valued and committed to their roles.
Transparency also involves being open about decision-making processes and encouraging feedback, which helps to create a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Empowering employees is a key strategy for achieving this balance. Empowered employees are given the autonomy to make decisions, take ownership of their work, and contribute innovative ideas. This empowerment not only boosts employee satisfaction but also drives business success by leveraging the diverse talents and perspectives within the team. Leaders can empower their employees by providing clear expectations, offering opportunities for professional development, and recognizing and rewarding contributions.
Holding employees to high standards is also essential for both their growth and the organization’s success. While it is important to support and empower employees, it is equally important to set clear expectations and hold them accountable for their performance. High standards drive excellence and help employees reach their full potential. By providing constructive feedback and continuous support, leaders can help their team members improve and achieve their best. A mentor once told me that politics are local! Employees care about one thing: “eating,” he stated. This left me puzzled at first until I took the time to understand this covert statement. As I followed up, he asked me why I came to work; I stated to pay my bills and take care of my family. He stated that you are no different than the employees that you serve. You have to personalize your relationship with your directs. He clarified I don’t mean being their best friend; he started to figure out what drives them. Do they have kids or dogs? Are they married, where are they from? What’s most important to them? Once you find this out, you can understand how to communicate effectively with them and drive them toward success.
Maintaining the balance between business success and focusing on people and their growth is essential for sustainable success. Servant leadership and transparency are key components of this balance, empowering employees while holding them to high standards and ensuring their satisfaction. Get to know the teammates that you work with and lead! Sustainable results won’t come by chance; people are the key to long-term success. By prioritizing the growth and well-being of their team, leaders can create a motivated, engaged, and high-performing workforce that drives the organization forward. In today’s competitive landscape, this balanced approach to leadership is not just beneficial; it is imperative for achieving long-term success.
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