Sharing # 2 part one
Sharing among employees, it’s a cultural thing.
The sharing culture includes creating the opportunity for employees to share with each other.
At first blush, our reaction might be: “That’s going on already and it’s one of our major problems, our employees talk too much to each other!”
My response is that non-structured communication often will focus on the negative and become destructive to morale and productivity unless the atmosphere in the company is powerfully positive.
How do successful companies create positive sharing among employees?
Certainly the way the management team members act toward each other has a strong effect on ‘the rest of us’. One of the ‘arts of management’ is leadership by setting the behavioral example. The old and flawed statement “Do as I say and not as I do” is exactly contrary to successful management.
It is key to the philosophy of sharing that the company has a clear “point of view” and a definable mission.
It’s my observation, those that have a carefully crafted and publicly displayed ‘Mission Statement’ that all understand and most believe in, have taken a major step to success.
There are two wonderful seventeen-minute videos which reveal the incredible positive culture of the Pike Place Fish Company in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. These people have become world famous because of the way they relate with each other and everyone around them.
The first tape, simply called ‘Fish’ explores the four major aspect of their positive philosophy…
PLAY-
It’s about having fun, enjoying yourself, being spontaneous and creative. Life is too short to spend it frowning and the ‘Fish Philosophy’ brings a smile to your face.
MAKE THEIR DAY-
It’s about doing something special for your customers and co workers. When you make someone’s day you have given them a special gift they won’t soon forget. It feels good to give it.
BE THERE-
It’s about being totally focused on the moment and on the person or task with which you are engaged. When we are fully present with our customers and with each other, we are listening deeply and important opportunities do not escape us.
CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE –
It’s about accepting full responsibility for all of our choices, even our attitude at work. A positive attitude is a decision we make, moment by moment.
Next: Sharing among employees part two – The Coaching Culture.
