More than a garden, a communication link
Welcome. Glad you're here.
Gon?alo Guerra , Support Units of Porto Business School , shares valuable insights with Noocity on the essential skills necessary for successful business leaders. Also, highlights the positive outcomes associated with introducing a corporate garden, encompassing employee well-being, sustainability, and community involvement.
In your opinion, what are the fundamental skills for business leaders to be successful nowadays?
There are several skills which I consider essential for business leaders to be successful nowadays. Having an excellent strategic vision. Leaders must have a clear vision of the future, they must be able to develop and articulate a sound and capable strategy to achieve the organisation's short, medium, and long-term objectives.
Adaptability, nowadays, and in this VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world in which we live, where everything is constantly changing, in which everything is more complicated, uncertain and unclear, means that leaders, to be successful, must be increasingly flexible and "elastic" in order to be able to manage and deal with all these changes very well.
Another characteristic which I consider crucial is the ability to manage one's own emotional intelligence: a good leader must understand and manage their own emotions and those of others very well, which involves being able to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, motivate their team members, and build more positive relationships.
Decision-making capacity is another skill that, for me, is fundamental. All leaders are often faced with difficult and complex decisions. They must have the ability to analyse all relevant information, ? consider different perspectives, and make informed and assertive decisions.
In my opinion, it is always better to decide (even if, at the time, you do not have all the data you consider necessary) than not to make it at all.
I must stress the need to be a skilled communicator. Effective communication is crucial to lead teams and influence them positively. Leaders must convey their ideas clearly, listen actively, give constructive feedback, and have the ability to inspire others by communicating in a convincing manner.
Leaders must also be able to build high-performing teams: recruiting, developing, and empowering their people and teams, encouraging collaboration, promoting a positive work environment.
Finally, results orientation. This is a characteristic that must never be forgotten. One must be focused on results, have the ability to set challenging goals, track their progress, and take corrective measures, if necessary, with the objective of achieving excellent performance.
What is the importance of team building in the work environment, and how can this practice contribute to the employees’ work-life balance?
The importance of team building can be seen from different perspectives because, in my opinion, it has the ability to improve productivity, performance, and team interaction, it promotes collaboration and cooperation among its members and strengthens the communication among all.
Interaction is very important because it improves mutual understanding, decreases misunderstandings, promotes clearer and more direct communication, generates a more positive and healthy atmosphere.
I believe that the social climate improves and that it can generate a feeling of appreciation, motivation, satisfaction, and engagement among employees.
In addition to all this, I believe that team building can include activities that promote a healthy work-life balance, such as health programmes, leisure activities or social events, since they help employees to relax, have fun and reduce stress.
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I believe that all companies must be aware that it is essential to empower their leaders to develop and improve their skills and efficiencies on a daily basis.
Considering your involvement in the PBS garden, what has been the impact of the implementation of the corporate garden so far? Were there any financial return or other benefits perceived by the organisation?
The implementation of a corporate garden has made several positive impacts on PBS as well as on our community.?
In my opinion, the garden has contributed to increased employee well-being, it provides a greener and more peaceful atmosphere that makes them relax and connect with nature which I believe enables them to reduce stress, improve their mood and increase their well-being at work.
I think this garden has also encouraged us to have healthier eating habits, it raised awareness about the importance of a balanced diet and eating natural, fresh and nutritious food which has a positive impact on the overall health and productivity of employees. Taking care of the garden, planning and harvesting stimulate employees to participate and cooperate, thus strengthening the bonds among all and promoting teamwork.
The implementation of our corporate garden shows Porto Business School’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The local production of food reduces the carbon footprint and encourages sustainable practices, such as composting and the use of organic farming methods.
Besides the internal benefits, a corporate garden can promote the interaction of the organisation with the local community. The garden has already served as a space for educational activities under the programmes that exist here at the school.
Financially, and given the size of our garden, as well as the innovation that characterised this entire project, I believe it was an excellent investment. Just as an example, the promotion and attention it received in several media was great and brought us a much greater return on the cost of the garden (about 4 times more), together with the visibility, reputation, and positive image it gave to the school.
Based on this positive impact, would you advise other companies to implement a corporate garden? If yes, why?
Absolutely! I advise other companies to consider implementing a corporate garden. It is not necessary to have a garden the size of Porto Business School’s garden -74 grow beds- but the one they can have.
A corporate garden in a company contributes to the well-being of employees.
Their involvement in taking care of the garden increases their interconnection, collaborative work, sense of belonging, it promotes healthy eating habits as well as awareness about the importance of a healthy and balanced diet.
In addition to all this, nowadays, and with sustainability as the basis for the reputation of any activity, the existence of a commitment of the company (and of all those who are part of it) to the environment is crucial.
The local production of food, the carbon footprint reduction, the promotion of sustainable practices, the use of the garden for educational activities, volunteer programmes or events open to the community are some of the examples that, I believe, will be very positive to improve any company and its involvement with its community.
Let's Grow together!