or THE FORCE OF CONNECTION
Everyone has different thinking styles, experiences and perspectives based on their individual background, upbringing and education. The only way to get a 360 degree view of issues in an organization is to consider the opinion and ideas of others. This is especially true when it comes to seeing opportunities and threats as well as when dealing with complex issues.
To be able to share opinions and ideas a person needs to communicate. He or she also has to take into account that the messages sent out need to be received and understood in the intended way.
Communication is a two-way street, which is what is often forgotten. There are so many ways that things can go wrong in a communication that it is actually surprising when people really understand each other. This is usually the case when a relationship was built over a long period of time and is based on trust and respect for each other.
When do we like to share our opinions and ideas?
With who do we like to share our opinions and ideas?
With people we feel connected. With people we trust.
When we feel that our opinions and ideas are valued and respected.
This is not surprising and I am sure that you know what I am talking about and can tell me an example out of your personal life confirming this.
So why is it so hard to accept that this is how the climate and work environment in our companies should be? Simple fact, maybe too simple, to make it important on the decision makers agenda. Luckily more and more companies leaders do make it a top priority on their agenda.
Scientific research showed that employees who feel more engaged and connected are 22% more productive. Form an organizational point of view this means that feeling connected fosters relationships and opens up the knowledge flow.
-> Greater knowledge flow is essential for leaders to be better informed to be able to make optimal decisions.
-> Greater knowledge flow fuels the creation of ideas that stimulates innovation.
Of course, the fact is that people need to be good at what they do.
This leads us to a (very simple) formula:
Task Excellence + Relationship Excellence = Sustainable Superior Performance
Now what do you mean with Relationship Excellence?
Relationships are about connecting with people, sharing and communication on the basis of respect. A basic human need. The need to belong.
What does this mean translated into the world of an organization?
How do we feel connected within a company?
I believe that it can best be described through these 3 elements:
VISION – VALUE – VOICE
VISION exists when everyone is motivated by the mission, united by shared values and proud for what the company stands for.
VALUE exists when everyone understands the needs of people, appreciates their unique contributions and helps them achieve their potential.
VOICE is when everyone in an organization seeks the ideas of others, shares ideas honestly and safeguards relational connections.
I believe that one of the fastest and most powerful levers to work with and use those three elements is to install an ongoing Learning and Development process, it could also be an innovation management process – personal learning, learning with and from others is in the center.
It equips a task force with the best abilities to deal with the pace of change, its direction and often unpredictability. As never before organizations depend on the capability and capacity of its employees to be agile and responsive to trends in the market.
Looking forward to your feedback – connect – contact – lets work together …
LINKS
Improving employee engagement is not simply about improving productivity
IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science
Implications of Employee Engagement on Critical Business Outcomes – An Empirical Evidence
Employees Want a Lot More From Their Managers
CREDITS
The social network by Shukou Tsuchiya
