Basic HTML Version
46
BizVoice
/Indiana Chamber –
May/June 2012
SMALL/MEDIUM COMPANIES
What Are the Keys to Leadership of a Best Places to Work Organization?
By Jay Love, CEO, Slingshot SEO
M
any would consider this inquiry to be a loaded question. Some might even think it requires a
lengthy in-depth explanation by an individual with a doctorate in human psychology.
I could not disagree more!
Sure, a knowledgeable answer from a doctor of psychology wouldn’t hurt, but part of my reason
for posing – and answering this provocative question – is the fact that I’ve been lucky enough to be
one of the leaders of multiple Indiana companies that have received this award. Some may first ask if
I have trouble holding a job, but I will save that answer for a future article.
In every case, the keys to leadership are quite simple to understand yet extremely difficult to put
into practice. Let me outline the top three, after which you’re free to agree or disagree.
1. Open and frequent communication: Today’s workforce is far more engaged. They embrace each day for much more than
just a paycheck. They are right-brainers, understand the organization’s core services and strive to carry out your mission as
part of their personal mission. If provided with open communication and a constant stream of unfiltered information, they
will analyze everything and put in more effort than you ever dreamed possible. With each year, I am amazed by how much
more the workforce tends toward this solid work ethic.
2. Treating every team member with respect: Operating with the mindset that each person on your staff is a team member,
rather than employee, is a great first step. Involve them and encourage their feedback. Most importantly, listen to their
feedback and ideas – truly and honestly. If a plan is your idea, or the culmination of ideas of a group you had part in, how
much more passionately do you work to achieve the end goal versus if the plan or vision was never your idea in the first
place? I’ll bet there’s a huge difference.
3. Ensure work is fun and rewarding: Who says you can’t make your organization a fun place to be? Who says team
members won’t stay longer than normal hours would suggest? Cultivating an environment that encourages these
qualities can range from crafting a welcoming space to promoting group activities to trusting team members’
opinions. Think about the activities that are rewarding for you and your co-workers and employees. Any
activity that falls into that category should be nurtured until it becomes part of your organization’s culture.
My answer is that simple! It’s more common sense than rocket science, but that’s usually the case for
anything of lasting value.
A Winner’s
view
Jay Love
What do you value most about your company?
“The flexibility that Katz, Sapper and Miller provides
is invaluable to my life and family. As a working
mom of three young children, there are often
uncontrollable changes in my routine. KSM’s focus
on work-life balance has created an environment
that allows me to have a forward-driven career
while being a hands-on mom.”
Ali Todd, Staff Accountant, Katz Sapper & Miller
“What I value most about my firm is that it continually
strives to bring on not just good employees, but
quality, caring people. That effort fosters an
atmosphere where employees care about each
other and want to work together and help each
other out. It is a culture of inclusiveness in which
people are allowed to be themselves while we all
pursue a common goal of high-quality client service.”
James Cangany, Senior Paralegal, Ogletree Deakins
“MJ has a true understanding of what it takes to
make it a great place to work! MJ puts their people
first. In every situation, MJ looks out for our best
interests and I feel like a trusted partner for my
contribution. MJ’s culture and people make it
impossible for me to imagine working anywhere else.”
Cindy Williams, Executive Assistant, MJ Insurance
“The company strikes the right balance of being
large enough to pursue the most challenging and
interesting projects while being small enough that I
know most of the people and it is not a bureaucracy.”
Chris Lautner, Chief Estimator – Heavy Civil Division,
Traylor Bros., Inc.