As a business owner, no one cares more about your business than you. But, as you know, you cannot do everything in your business and therefore you have employees. Your employees are not you, but they represent you in every aspect of your business. If you want your employees to represent you, respectfully and effectively, they must be engaged and empowered within your business.
Another reality is that the market, technology, competitive conditions and the environment are constantly changing, and this is happening faster than ever before. You need employees who are effective, engaged and empowered to adapt, so that your business can stay afloat and move forward profitably.
Are your employees able to respond quickly and in alignment with business direction? They can when they understand and connect with the purpose of your business. If you are the business leader, it starts with you. How clearly have you communicated not only the business’s purpose, but also what values the business is based on?
Values define “the Why” behind the business. Having company values clearly defined and communicated will ensure employees understand the “purpose” and they will use these as a compass to guide them. Employees who are effective and engaged understand and align with the business’s values – it drives their behavior because they understand “the Why”. Communicate clearly on values and you will ensure the “vehicle” in which you will all do business moves forward and accelerates. Recognize and report when you see your employees embrace your business’s values, and you will see your employees become more effective and engaged.
Start with defining the five key values that your business is based on. What do you base your decisions on for your business? Yes, you are in business to make money – that is a result- but what are the guidelines you consider beyond profits? Which values are so important that you will remain true to them? My clients often find this one of the most difficult areas to define, but the results are significant, because once you have defined them, you are able to communicate and reinforce the importance of them to your business.
Do this well and your employees will reward you with increased effectiveness and engagement.
What can a business owner do?
- Ensure the Business’s purpose and values are communicated to all employees.
- Review the values that your business is based on and determine what needs to be developed or preserved in your business to reinforce these.
- Communicate regularly with your employees on these values and why these are important to your business’s success.
- Recognize and celebrate when you see these values upheld.
People connect on the why – it is the emotional link, and this drives most behavior. Values define “the Why” behind the business. How well do you communicate and reinforce them? Need help? Please contact Eloise Pasianotto CMA MBA, Certified FocalPoint Business Coach.
Eloise Pasianotto CMA, MBA is a Certified FocalPoint Business Coach. She specializes in working with Business Owners and Executives to increase Results in Sales, Profits, Time, People and Next Phase Strategies. She can be reached at epasianotto@focalpointcoaching.com Tel: 289-553-0241 400 Applewood Cres, Suite 100, Vaughan, Ont, L4K 0C3 http://eloisepasianotto.focalpointcoaching.com/
