Is your company or organization reacting to the current economic situation or is it responding? Is it playing defence or offence? There is a difference. When we take into account the situation we are in, along with our vision and goals, we are able to step back and choose to act. Act, rather than just react to the latest challenge facing us.
Aberdeen’s recent study: “Mid-Year Insights 2009” point to the development of existing talent as a top priority for the coming year. Organizations need to ensure that the workforce has the skills and ability to face the challenges and uncertainty of the future. These development opportunities can benefit both employees and employers.
Opportunities to improve skills and capabilities and challenging work assignments that broaden one’s skills have been shown to drive engagement. Not only do engaged employees plan to stay with their current employer, a correlation between high levels of engagement and strong business performance have been demonstrated.
It is time for companies to rethink how they are developing existing talent. Here are some questions to get you started:
- What is the company’s deeper purpose?
- What is the vision for the future?
- What are the desired outcomes?
- What needs to change in order to achieve these outcomes?
- What are the goals?
- What is no longer needed and can be let go?
- What skills and abilities need to be developed to achieve the vision, goals, and outcomes?
- What training or development is required and how does that fit with the new direction?
- How can employees become more engaged?
Development of existing talent is a key factor in employee wellness, retention and productivity. But it cannot be done in isolation. Organizations who help employees to become more engaged and develop talent that is in alignment with the organization’s deeper purpose, vision and strategic plan will realize remarkable results.
Val Kinjerski, PhD, is a leading authority in the field of employee engagement and on the topic of “spirit at work.” An inspirational speaker, consultant and writer, she helps companies and organizations increase employee retention and boost productivity by reigniting employees’ love for their work. She is the author of Rethinking Your Work and Rethinking Your Work Guidebook.
October 5th, 2009 at 12:47 am
Dear Val,
Must admit – me too – was reacting untill I found it was not leading to growth and decided to “re-think” and create keener opportunities and focus on market leaders instead of trying to pull a dead cow. I had to make a boost in the managements thoughts to go for it and re-stratigise. Seems to start working now (+ 3 months)
René Enthoven
October 5th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Dear René,
I think reacting is a very common response – both at work and in our personal lives. The problem, as you identified, is that it doesn’t get us the outcomes we are looking for. Would you be willing to share how you came to “re-think” and some of the actions your took?
Thanks so much.
Val
October 6th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Val great blog posting! The development of individuals and teams are essential to any company’s success. People are a company’s greatest resource. But their consciousness is the most powerful raw material. When they are engaged, as you outlined, their consciousness comes into alignment with the greater mission and purpose. This is where the “magic” happens and success is created.
October 6th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Well said Maria! Unfortunately, I think the phrase, “Our people are our greatest resource” has become a throw-away line. When we are able to help leaders and organizations get to the point of understanding how the magic happens and the positive impact it has on the workplace, we will have really achieved something. As you say, alignment between who we are and what is important to us and the mission and purpose of the organization is essential to our wellbeing and engagement.
Thanks for responding.
Val
October 17th, 2009 at 7:57 am
My consulting and speaking experience tells me most businesses, particularly small ones, are generally reactive. I often ask my master class participants and consulting clients “Are you working on your business, or in it?” The overwhelming reply is “in it”. Success oriented people must be on the offense to minimize being on the defense. http://www.stephenlibman.com