Four Elements for Successful Leading and Teaming
Leading with a people-first mentality is core to how organizations can survive (and thrive) in turbulence.
Did you know that 85% of industry growth leaders lose their position following economic downturns? In times of economic uncertainty, companies that focus on cost efficiencies and make pragmatic investments for growth are significantly more likely to outperform their competition during and after the recovery. A particularly strategic investment during these times is a focus on people development.
Leading with a people-first mentality is core to how organizations can survive and thrive in turbulence.
Why this, and why now?
The need to attract and retain talent has never been a more difficult feat. When the cost of replacing an employee is 50% to 200% of the salary, voluntary turnover is a burden to avoid. In our current wave of macro disruption, it is paramount to lead your organization with a fiercely human approach that is inclusive of compassion and courage to carve out paths for your organization to evolve and grow in new and unexpected ways.
Want more ways to focus on your people amidst uncertainty? Learn how to fill skill gaps, align people to priorities, and better serve your customers in turbulent times. Get the guide.
The evolution of leading and teaming
Leading through uncertainty requires a calm approach that demonstrates vulnerability and brings openness to conversations. Oftentimes people define leaders based on a title when the reality is that a leader is someone who inspires a following. This definition highlights the importance of holistic leading and teaming, which is highly context-specific and requires experiential approaches as unique as the people they grow.
During times of uncertainty, the needs change for individuals and teams in organizations. As a result, what people require from their leaders may look very different, but the foundation centers on continuously evolving in the face of change with a people-first mindset.
Core elements of leading and teaming DNA
Just like our DNA, no two teams or leaders are alike. Each requires unique building blocks to thrive. By integrating the development of people with new ways of working into the processes and culture of the organization, companies can measurably impact the human aspects as much as the operational. With this in mind, it is important to contextualize holistic leadership and team development as your unique leading and teaming DNA through four elements.
1. Awareness
While 95% of people believe they know how their behaviors impact others, research shows that only 10–15% of people are truly aware. Gain insight through an assessment using existing data or survey for new info to understand strengths, opportunities, styles, and values that establish the foundation for development focus areas. Gaining awareness of your team’s needs during uncertain times can set the foundation to deliver what your team requires to feel supported effectively. Perhaps it’s more trust or transparency. Either way, communication is critical.
2. Alignment
Create an actionable roadmap with core concepts to support leaders and teams and facilitate alignment. Often during times of uncertainty, it is ideal to come together as one organization focused on the customer and a few key initiatives that will be your strategic growth investment. Use this opportunity to define vision and accountability for achieving greater potential across stakeholders.
3. Achievement
This is not a one-time training event. It is an intentional design of focused learning interventions and the application of learnings to enable behavior change over time. By working toward a few key metrics for success and celebrating these achievements, you can bring the best of the organization’s culture together to win during these times.
4. Adaptation
Continue growth by responding to new challenges with resilience and transforming how you accountably integrate measures for sustained behavior change. Organizations should test and learn from experience to guide where to use the resources and investments available during uncertain times.
Taking a fiercely human approach
Using these four elements in relation to human and operational drivers of people development, organizations can unlock and maximize their potential. Your leading and teaming strategy is the unique blueprint for your evolutionary journey, and — with a clearly defined talent strategy — you can thrive in the turbulence.
Slalom is a global consulting firm that helps people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. Learn more and reach out today.
