Posted by Ella Garside on Wednesday 14th December 2011
A number of managers across the sector have expressed their views that they struggle to get buy in from some staff members and that teams regularly miss deadlines or fail to deliver on key elements of their work programme.
If this is an issue for the odd individual within an organisation then it may be a performance management issue; however if it is prevalent across the organisation it is likely that the staff have not brought in to the mission and vision of the organisation. They may not see that their performance impacts on delivery of organisations goals, and feel that they are simply cogs in a wheel.
Stephen Covey, author of ‘Habits of highly effective people’ told a story in his book ‘Principle centred leadership’ which I would like to share with you.
Stephen was staying in a hotel the night before he was presenting a seminar and he asked one of the porters “What time does the swimming pool open tomorrow morning?”, “8am sir” was the reply. After pausing, the porter asked “Is that a problem for you Mr Covey?” to which Stephen said “Well I really need to be away by 8am and I like to swim in the mornings”.
The porter quickly responded that it would not be a problem and that he would ensure the pool would be open at 7am for his swim.
The level of service prevailed throughout his stay in the hotel. On leaving Stephen asked the hotel reception desk how the hotel managed to deliver the same level of service across the hotel.
The receptionist replied ~”Not just this hotel Mr Covey, all our hotels, would you like to see the mission statement for our hotel chain?”
The mission was quickly produced then the receptionist said “Mr Covey would you like to see this hotels mission?”
The mission statement for the hotel was presented. It reflected the values of the chain but was developed by the staff for their hotel. Then she said “Would you like to see the mission statement for the reception team of this hotel?”
A little surprised, Stephen said “yes” and again was furnished with the statement which reflected the values of the other two but was developed by the reception team. Then she said “Mr Covey, would you like to see mine?”
All the staff each had a personal mission statement that they developed and owned and which reflected the values of the organisation.
How do you share the vision of your organisation with staff and volunteers?
Are they aware of the bigger picture or just their role?
How clear are they about how their role contributes to the overall mission and vision of the organisation?
Do they have the competence and confidence to fulfil their role?
Do you trust them?
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