Want to retain your best talent? Try creating memorable moments.

In 2023, businesses faced significant challenges, given the headwinds of unknown factors such as interest rates and layoffs. Many leadership teams encountered multifaceted challenges that prompted welcome and unwelcome action. These actions included adjustments to payroll, staffing, and expenses to improve business efficiency in critical functions. While many of these changes were essential to ensure business viability and health going into 2024, the aftermath left employees with doubt and mistrust.

Heading into 2024, I am reminded of the book "The Courage to Be Disliked. " In this book, the author encourages us to recognize that the employee experience is not a linear narrative but a collection of discrete moments or dots that intricately shape an individual's professional journey.

Applying the principles from the book, we can view each of these moments as opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and positive engagement. By embracing the courage to challenge traditional narratives and fostering an environment that encourages individuality and authenticity, organizations can weave a unique narrative that resonates with each employee. This article explores how aligning employee experiences can contribute to establishing a resilient workplace culture characterized by trust, engagement, and genuine human connection.

Trust and engagement are pivotal components of a healthy and thriving workplace. As leaders, we should enable ourselves to be role models for the behaviors we expect our teams to exhibit through our actions to create the desired environment and performance we seek from our employees. ?These actions show our employees what is expected and create teachable, memorable moments.? A company's success starts with how each of us leads.? In expecting excellence, we should begin by defining it, memorializing it, communicating it, and serving as a role model for what is expected.? As a starting point, I will reference some key competencies (Korn Ferry's Leadership Architect ) that leadership teams should focus on to ensure organizational results. Identifying and defining behaviors gives us a simple playbook for coaching and mentoring teams and providing them with a guidepost for approaching their work (through 5 desired behaviors).

Communicates Effectively

Effective communication is a cornerstone for business leaders because it drives organizational success. Clear and articulate communication ensures leaders can convey their vision, goals, and expectations, fostering employee alignment. Leaders who excel in communication build trust, inspire confidence, and promote a collaborative atmosphere within their teams. Additionally, transparent communication facilitates the exchange of ideas, feedback, and critical information, enabling informed decision-making. Effective communication becomes a guiding force in times of change or challenge, providing clarity and direction to navigate uncertainties.

Instills Trust Through Accountability

Instilling trust through accountability is an indispensable behavior for business leaders as it establishes a foundation of reliability and integrity within the organizational culture. When leaders hold themselves and their teams accountable for commitments, goals, and actions, they demonstrate a commitment to transparency and responsibility. This fosters a sense of dependability among employees, reinforcing the belief that everyone is working towards shared objectives. Moreover, leaders who prioritize accountability create an environment where mistakes are acknowledged, learned from, and rectified, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This commitment to accountability builds trust by demonstrating that leaders are accountable for their decisions and actions, creating a sense of consistency and dependability that resonates throughout the organization.

Customer Focus

When we wholeheartedly embrace customer focus within our organizational ethos, we provide our employees with a compass that guides them through the intricacies of their roles. It goes beyond task completion; it becomes a fundamental aspect of their professional journey. We instill a sense of purpose and understanding by emphasizing the connection between their contributions and our overarching business success. When cognizant of their work's impact on the customer experience, employees are motivated by a shared goal of delivering value and satisfaction. This holistic approach not only fosters a customer-centric mindset but also cultivates a unified team culture where every member comprehends the significance of their role in contributing to the overall success and longevity of the organization.

Situational Adaptability

Situational adaptability emerges as a crucial behavior for business leaders, showcasing the ability to navigate the complexities of an ever-changing business landscape. In many business models, it is critical to adjust our strategies accordingly, demonstrating a nimble and responsive approach to challenges. In today's dynamic environment, unforeseen circumstances and market fluctuations are inevitable, making adaptability a key driver of success. Leaders who can adeptly pivot in response to different situations inspire confidence within their teams and stakeholders, fostering resilience and innovation. This flexibility allows leaders to effectively lead through uncertainty, make informed decisions, and ultimately steer the organization toward sustained growth and success. In essence, situational adaptability is not merely a skill but a fundamental behavior that empowers all of us to thrive in the face of change and uncertainty.

Drives Results

The ability to drive results is essential for business leaders as it is synonymous with effective leadership and organizational success. Leaders with a results-driven mindset set clear goals, establish strategic plans, and inspire their teams to achieve tangible outcomes. By emphasizing a commitment to delivering measurable results, leaders create a culture of accountability and excellence within the organization. This behavior not only ensures the efficient execution of tasks but also motivates teams to surpass expectations and reach new heights. Results-driven leaders understand the importance of aligning efforts with overarching business objectives, driving productivity, innovation, and overall success. In a competitive business landscape, the capacity to drive results is a cornerstone behavior that propels both individual and collective achievement, contributing to the sustained growth and prosperity of the organization.

Action Items

In addition to the above-mentioned behaviors, leadership teams should agree upon activities to engage employees in 2024 to create memorable moments through behaviors. The goal is to enable greater trust and higher engagement from employees.?

1.???? Communicate Quarterly Wins and Employee Contributions - Regular acknowledgment of achievements not only celebrates the collective successes of the team but also reinforces a culture of appreciation and value. Sharing quarterly wins provides transparency, keeps employees informed about the progress and milestones of the organization, and instills a sense of pride and shared accomplishment. Recognizing individual contributions highlights the significance of each employee's efforts, promoting a sense of purpose and motivation. This open and appreciative communication boosts morale and contributes to a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continued dedication and high employee performance. Regular recognition communication is a powerful catalyst for employee engagement and organizational success.

2.???? Hold an employee event every quarter - Holding an employee event every quarter is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a dedicated space for employees to come together, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie. These events serve as opportunities for team building, allowing individuals to connect on a personal level. Moreover, regular events enhance communication and collaboration, breaking down potential silos and promoting a more cohesive team dynamic. In addition to the employee event, leadership teams should serve in some capacity (ex., Cooking food and serving). These regular employee events contribute to a thriving workplace where communication, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose are consistently nurtured.

3.???? Formalized quarterly check-ins - These regular check-ins provide a structured platform for open communication, allowing leaders to gain insights into their employees' progress, challenges, and aspirations. By maintaining a consistent schedule of check-ins, leaders demonstrate a commitment to their subordinates' professional development and well-being. It identifies potential issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and support. Moreover, quarterly check-ins create a space for feedback, goal alignment, and performance discussions, ensuring that leaders and subordinates are on the same page regarding expectations and objectives.

4.???? 1:1 meetings - Scheduling and not missing 1:1 meetings is crucial for fostering strong professional relationships, effective communication, and individual growth within a team. These one-on-one sessions provide dedicated time for leaders and employees to discuss goals, challenges, and progress in a private and focused setting. Consistent scheduling demonstrates a commitment to the development and well-being of each employee, fostering a sense of value and support. By prioritizing and respecting the scheduled 1:1 meetings, leaders show that they prioritize their team's individual needs, contributing to a positive and trust-filled work environment that ultimately enhances team performance and collaboration.

5.???? Address performance issues - Addressing performance issues immediately with employees and documenting agreed-upon goals and objectives is crucial for maintaining a high-performance standard and fostering a culture of accountability. Timely intervention allows leaders to address concerns before they escalate, preventing potential negative impacts on team dynamics and overall productivity. This documentation clarifies the path forward and helps track progress over time. Moreover, it establishes a transparent and fair process, ensuring that leaders and employees have a shared understanding of the performance improvement plan.

?Conclusion

In conclusion, as businesses embark on the journey into 2024, leadership teams must play a central role in shaping the organizational culture. While respecting the established principles, the identified behaviors, such as effective communication, instilling trust through accountability, customer focus, situational adaptability, and driving results, provide a practical playbook for leaders to guide their teams and approach their work. By aligning with these behaviors, we aim to create memorable moments of trust, engagement, and genuine human connection.