So much of what managers have done is play defense against their very own people in order to keep them at work or try and rule their every every move when in fact Great management and real Leadership calls us to "play offense." Our initiative must be to set our people up to win @ work and in life.
One of FHI's best leaders is Chavis Wright. I am going to call Chavis an Offensive Coordinator when it comes to scheduling his team's work & life. When Chavis stepped into a position of leadership, one of the first things he knew he needed to do for his people was set up a schedule that accommodated each person. Here are a few things that were part of his thought:
1) As a manager, I have a good bit of control over my own schedule and the days I would like to have off, but I want to make sure and serve that luxury to my people. Can you say Servant Leadership?
2) I have to play chess with my people and lead each of them differently, but there is something that puts a song in everyone's soul and that is special occasions related to family.
3) I saw people scared to ask off for these dates, so they would just not show up on those days and in turn hurt their attendance points and the success of the operation.
With this mindset in his offensive arsenal, Chavis met "one on one" with every player on his team to connect more deeply with them. He wanted to come away from the meeting knowing every associate's birthday, the names and dates of birth for each of their children and their spouse along with Anniversary date! This information was written down in his planner and he crafted the work schedule of the team around these dates. Each player has the option to take everyone of these days off and they are scheduled well in advance (He now has his schedule set a year in advance - oh yes, this is a little easier to do since his turnover is almost zip, zero, Nada). And yes, the customer service remains excellent because this Leadership Oxygen has created an environment where other team members provide the necessary coverage when one of their peers is out to celebrate with their family.
Why play defense with your people? It is only going to be a reverse from sport and allow the competition to score on you every time. By the way, today's competition is not just the traditional interindustry operation. It is anyone who can hire your people!
This does not suggest that you just give your people a free-for-all. Be specific with your focus. A culture of discipline must remain in place. In fact, your culture of discipline will garner a much higher respect ratio when you play offense. Another Offensive Angel - Marvin Reaves has done much the same with his scheduling. He has turned a poor performing department (prior to his arrival) into a championship case-study! His team appreciates the scheduling and other high oxygen factors while they also know that if they arrive to work a minute late (This would be 4am - yikes!). They will be penalized.
When you play offense and create an environment like these leaders, your people will very rarely come to work late, they will be more productive, profitable and purpose driven. They respect the leader, they respect the rules and they have a rockin' place to work!
You might be thinking that this rule applies only to hourly and production paid associates in a Freight Handling Industry. Not quite. If your Leadership is within a very white collar world where salaries are the common mix or a ministry where legislative Leadership is paramount - just do the same exact thing. Lend out some of your luxuries. Find out those soul singing dates from your people and play offense by putting them in a position to score a victory with their loved ones several times throughout the year.
This type of Caps Lock Leadership will increase your influence in such a simple way. Please learn from the Chavis and Marvins in your world - I know I surely do!
Comments