Great Business Leaders Know What Matters

Key Elements - What are some of the key elements of successful change in organizational development that work even when you are not present, then? Even wildly successful positive change systems such as FISH ™ team building, do not forego the basics all great business leaders apply (1). Here are 3 which I have experienced hands-on success with:

1. Do the Tough Stuff First. This is one of my mottos, especially useful for new managers, directors or leaders of any daunting project. You will be amazed at how much smoother the path will be after tackling the most unpleasant aspects of the work at hand. For example, great leaders know that calling someone into your office, when you both know that person is under-performing, is unpleasant. However, a vast majority of the time, the problem is well on its way to being resolved once that meeting is over. And as a bonus, when the manager leading the meeting is skilled at helping that employee develop professionally through the interchange, trust is built in the manager, even when the employee was initially filled with anxiety.

2. Implement a Quality Monitoring Program from the start. It never ceases to amaze me, how many organizations do not have effective CQI programs in place... or none at all. In small business especially, often it seems there simply is not enough time to create and manage one at first. There are methods to create simple CQI or QA programs that all involved can be part of, and that truly do create positive change, even when you are not there to lead. You can implement one without having to purchase expensive ‘systems’ to do so, especially in small organizations.

3. Celebrate Top Achievers. Yes, all involved must be acknowledged for their contribution to successes, great and small. This is a deal breaker great business leaders have learned early on. Avoid the common mistake of not rewarding your top achievers. Many avoid doing so due to a perception that, (a) they already know they are doing well, or (b) fear that other team members will be tired of hearing about the superstars' successes. Ignore the superstar at your own peril: they are being head hunted as we speak.

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(1) FISH ™ is a registered trademark and system owned by Charthouse. VisionarEase has experience with this system and can answer your questions about possible usage in your organization.