Judging from the widely proliferated “people-are-our-greatest-asset-vision statements,” the importance of people and their critical linkage to an organization’s success would appear to be a “generally accepted management principle.“ However, based on the following poll and its very sobering findings, there’s either a fundamental disconnect between “talk and walk” (i.e. we’re not serious) or the methods predominantly used in companies are largely ineffective (traditional tactics are not working). Which is it?…I’m interested to hear your viewpoint. Either way it represents a monumental opportunity for improvement and a potential source of competitive advantage for those that can “get it right.”
The poll is based on the responses of 23,000 U.S. residents employed full time within key industries and across functional areas. It was conducted by the research organizations of Harris Poll and FranklinCovey.
- “Only 37% said they have a clear understanding of what their organization is trying to achieve and why.
- Only 1 in 5 were enthusiastic about their team’s and organization’s goals.
- Only 1 in 5 workers said they have a clear line of sight between their tasks and their team’s and organization’s goals.
- Only half were satisfied with the work they have accomplished at the end of the week.
- Only 15% felt that their organization fully enables them to execute key goals.
- Only 15% felt they worked in a high-trust environment.
- Only 17% felt their organization fosters open communication that is respectful of differing opinions and that results in new and better ideas.
- Only 10% felt that their organization holds people accountable for results.
- Only 20% fully trusted the organization they work for.
- Only 13% have high-trust, highly cooperative working relationships with other groups or departments.”
Source: Forbes.com
Picture: expertaccess.cincom.com
The key that I get in this article and from what my life’s experience has taught me is to build relationships and invest in people. This is the missing ingredient in today’s world. Johannes you are genuinely and organically investing in people. Just wanted to shout out to you on how refreshing it is to see people like yourself investing in others. Well done my good and faithful servant.
Wow, “only 10% felt that their organization holds people accountable for results.” I think that people really want to be held accountable (and see others held accountable). It’s a demotivator to do a great job and be rewarded only slightly more than a colleague who has done a mediocre job. It truly is a competitive advantage to know how to motivate your ‘greatest assets’.