Creating a Thriving Work Environment: Insights from Stone Mantel on the Experience Strategy Podcast
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Creating a thriving work environment involves recognizing and appreciating employees, focusing on early adopters and fence-sitters, and addressing nay-sayers. Finding your brilliance and your resilience is what workers are made to do. Leaders play a crucial role in building trust and creating sub-cultures that encourage resilience and brilliance. By embracing the whole person and fostering emotional congruity, leaders can make a significant impact on their employees and ultimately, the success of the organization. The following is a summary of the Experience Strategy Podcast.Â
The Brilliance Portfolio
Every employee brings a unique set of skills, talents, and gifts to the table – a “Brilliance Portfolio”. Recognizing and appreciating this portfolio is crucial to employee retention and satisfaction. When employees feel that their contributions are valued and that the company is invested in their growth and future, they are more likely to stay and contribute meaningfully to the organization.
The Importance of Regular Check-Ins
Successful companies understand the importance of regular career assessments and check-ins. Waiting for an annual review is too late; by then, an employee may already have a foot out the door. Regular check-ins provide opportunities to address concerns, provide feedback, and keep employees engaged and committed.
Understanding Appreciation Languages
When a person’s appreciation language is understood, they are more likely to go above and beyond in their roles. This is because they feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
Building Trust in Uncertain Times
Building trust is crucial in uncertain times. This process involves recognizing and focusing on early adopters, addressing fence-sitters, and dealing with nay-sayers. Leaders need to focus their time and energy on those who are open to change and willing to move the company forward.
Leaders Creating Sub-Cultures
Leaders play a pivotal role in creating workplace sub-cultures. They set the tone for the organization and have a responsibility to invite their team members on a journey of discovery and growth. Leaders need to create an environment that encourages resilience and allows employees to operate in their brilliance.
EGO vs ECO Leadership
Stone Mantel identifies two types of leaders: EGO leaders (Edging Goodness Out) and ECO leaders (Encouraging Caring Often). ECO leaders see their staff as whole human beings, not just “human doings”. They focus on the collective “we” rather than the individual “me”.
The Role of Emotional Congruity
Emotional congruity – aligning people’s hearts, minds, and hands – is an essential aspect of leadership. This approach requires leaders to focus not just on success, but on being significant. A hopeful leader is a helpful leader. By stepping up and demonstrating emotional congruity, leaders can inspire their staff to go above and beyond.