If there was one standout theme from the Top Employers Strategies panel discussion held at I Love Rewards, it was that good leadership is paramount to creating a culture of engagement in an organization.
Let the experts speak!
The panelists – all whom of are known for their winning people practices, were:
* Brian Scudamore, Founder and CEO of I-800-GOT-JUNK?
* Karen N. Wensley, Canada’s People Leader, Ernst & Young LLC.
* Gord Johnston, Vice President of HR, Bayer Inc.
With the recession taking its toll on the workplace, Brian, Karen and Gord stressed the importance of maintaining an employee-focused culture. Leaders must understand that their employees are feeling the pressure too, and looking to their managers for support and motivation.
Here are the panelists’ key points on the role leadership plays in driving engagement and creating a healthy, vibrant workplace culture during an economic downtown.
Find employees that will live the culture and champion the vision.
In good economic times and bad, Brian Scudamore’s motto doesn’t change – “Find the right people and treat them right”. For Brian, the ability for a leader to find people who are passionate, willing to learn and want to be part of the company’s future is essential to ensuring long-term growth and sustainability. CEOs don’t always have the answers. If managers and company leaders invest in their employees and culture, their employees will help the company find a solution.
Leaders and managers have to be up-front and centre, communicating with employees regularly.
As Gord Johnston noted, employees value transparent communication during tough times. They want to know how the company is doing, where it is headed and what the company’s leaders are doing to overcome the challenges of a down economy.
Listen then empower
Karen Wensley believes leaders need to first listen to their employees to get valuable feedback, and then empower them to make decisions. This two-prong approach is the best way to boost morale and build an engaging workplace culture.
