Change Agent
People often ask if I work only with government agencies, given my work history. My response is no, I work with government, non-profit, philanthropy and private sector organizations. Certainly each have unique characteristics (e.g. financial reporting requirements, political considerations, etc) but what they all have in common is they involve human beings, with knowledge, history and most significantly feelings. The most successful organizations, whatever the field, understand that fostering a culture of respect and trust and transparency is key to achieving results.
I've worked with many organizations that have struggled for years with morale problems, difficulty achieving results, high staff turnover, etc. In most cases, leadership wants a quick solution - have a staff party or employee of the month award on one end, come down harder on staff at the other. While this sort of thing may achieve short term results, they will not be sustainable.
In each of my prior positions the most effective strategies were the following:
-Make sure the leadership team is in agreement about what they are trying to achieve. This seems obvious, but I have yet to come across an agency that was struggling that did not have this problem.
-Make sure leadership communicates what they are trying to achieve in a variety of ways to staff, at all levels. I've always had staff who worked very hard. But often they are working, unintentionally, at cross-purposes with what leadership is trying to achieve.
-Create an environment that supports transparency and rewards innovation. Mistakes are not the problem. Fear of admitting mistakes is what creates a toxic environment.
-Identify what data is needed to track progress.
-Make sure the data is reliable, and that everyone's using the same data.
-Track, using visual tools that everyone can see, progress.
-Adapt as needed.
-Celebrate success.
I believe that for any organization leaders who use these steps, authentically, results will be met and often exceeded. And staff at all levels will be happier and more fulfilled in their work.