Time to crank up production? Get that place running like a well-oiled machine?
The machine continues to be the dominant metaphor of the workplace. Experiences each day reinforce this perception of life-as-machine. We step on the gas pedal and our cars move faster. We push a button and documents are copied—maybe even on both sides—collated and stapled.
Executives continue to look for that metaphorical lever, pedal, dial or button that will motivate people, get them to change or increase morale. It's the wrong thing to be looking for because it's the wrong metaphor.
People aren't machines. We know this because:
• People have their own intentions, goals, will and purpose that drive thinking and behavior.
• The range of thinking and behavior responses people have can continuously increase through learning.
So what are the implications of this information for leaders who rely on human thinking, knowledge and behavior to create value in their organization?
• Performance will always be less than optimal unless the organizational goals are aligned with individual goals. Create opportunities to assess, discuss and align organizational and personal goals. This is valuable at any time, but is especially relevant when bringing people on board.
• There is always a creative tension between structure and freedom. Structure is needed to focus people's range of behavior and direct those items that are on "auto-pilot." That being said, management can not be fully reduced to a codified set of rules. Figuring out the best structure that fits your people and organization is an important undertaking.
• The context in which people work significantly matters. Many organizations undervalue the impact of company culture and environment, even though these factors are huge drivers of that 95 percent of behavior and thinking that occurs on auto-pilot. Attention to creating environments and cultivating a company culture that is congruent with company objectives can have far-reaching results.
Cultivate is the word to emphasize. When it comes to people, think cultivate like a garden, not operate like a machine. There are no magic levers or buttons when aligning personal and organizational goals, establishing the right structure, increasing interpersonal competencies and attending to the organization's culture. But all these activities can have tremendous influence on the level of performance your people give to the organization. Cultivate goals, structure, skill and culture with care, and watch the value from the people in your organization grow.
By Tom Stevens
Tom Stevens helps individuals and organizations create brilliant futures and make a difference. To contact him, visit www.think leadershipideas.com.