Leigh G. Mundhenk   on Monday 04/06/2015 at 04:24 PM

Mary, this is a great article. One of the challenges I have run in to, when encouraging this in my career and organizational development work, was that many supervisors and managers are reluctant to take on this role, because they fear losing their best people. I'd love suggestions on how we can get around this. Whenever I talk increased productivity and employee retention, I don't feel I am getting through in a meaningful way. These folks seem to be more focused on their departmental and team needs, rather than organizational ones.

Mary Ila Ward   on Tuesday 04/07/2015 at 03:44 PM

Leigh,

Thanks for reading the article! I find that this is the number one hesitation with this concept as well. However, if we can get people to think of the bigger picture of why this is beneficial in terms of larger wins instead of just isolating it to the individual level, we can be more successful. For example, in the short term, people who engage in this have employees who work harder for them. In the long term, they become living, breathing recruitment ads for you and your organization. In addition, I've had a few clients who have applied this principle and seen their star performers go someplace else to work only to call them back a few months later and want to come back. They come back more valuable because they are more loyal and have more experience outside your organization. But regardless of whether or not they come back, it is simply the right thing to do in my opinion. It is a leader acting as a leader should- making more leaders. If we adopt this concept of leadership though, it causes us to need to be a leader by establishing cross training plans and succession plans to make sure when one person leaves the entire organization or department doesn't suffer.

Mary Ila Ward   on Tuesday 04/07/2015 at 03:45 PM

Leigh, one more thought... the best people will leave you any way if they don't feel valued. This is one way to make them know they are valued and appreciated, which could lead to longer term retention.