We’ve learned a lot of lessons in 2020. The best leaders tell us that focusing on Organizational Health of the company is more important than ever. Organizational Health gives you the competitive edge you need and will help you weather whatever turmoil lies ahead.
What is Organizational Health? It’s the way a company aligns around a common vision and strategy, executes with excellence, and engages with its employees. According to a recent McKinsey study, healthy organizations are outperforming their competition at every level and delivering 3x total return to their shareholders.
How do I make Organization Health a priority in my company? Let’s look at 3 important ways:
Clear Vision and Strategy
Do you have a Vivid Vision — a big, bold dream for what you want your company to become?
Have you had your strategic planning session for 2021? Even if you’re working virtual, it’s important to take the time to set that stage for the coming year.
Do you have a one-page strategic plan that helps create alignment for everyone throughout the company?
Execute with Excellence
Translate long-term vision and strategies into short-term priorities that every employee understands and supports.
Make sure you have clear metrics, accountability and meeting rhythms to keep everyone on track.
Use the 10-point Rockefeller Habits Checklist to guide the process.
Employee Engagement
At the core of Organizational Health sits employee engagement. In his book, The Truth About Employee Engagement, Patrick Lencioni says: “Engaged, enthusiastic, and loyal employees are pivotal drivers of growth and health in any organization.” Lencioni’s model looks at three reasons that drive employees to disengage – the “job killers”:
Anonymity. Crucial to recognize every employee as an individual who brings his or her unique talents and qualities to their role in the company. Provide meaningful recognition and demonstrate a real interest in them.
Irrelevance. Team members need to understand their role and how it plays into the bigger picture and strategic vision. Like most sports, every position has a slightly different way of contributing to the success of the team. Let them know their job matters.
Immeasurability Ensure employees are able to gauge their progress and level of contributions to the company’s goals. Rely on specific KPIs so they know they can measure their success.
I recommend using the Engagement Multiplier™ to assess your team’s engagement. This is a powerful tool for leaders serious about creating high-performing teams and executing on strategic growth plans. Start by offering the free 10-minute survey to your employees, and you’ll get a detailed report measuring the level of engagement in your company.
2020 has challenged the best of companies. Those with solid Organizational Health and truly engaged teams have not only survived, they’ve thrived. Innovation has blossomed; leaders are rethinking old norms; and many teams have found themselves more aligned and productive.
As we head into 2021, I invite leaders to take a step back, to evaluate their culture and to make Organizational Health a priority for the coming year.