Team Members Must Be Appreciated, Valued and Heard

This week, I had an unhurried conversation with a leader of a successful consultancy. Fortunately, I jotted notes as there were so many insights she shared about the culture of her company – all vital to current and long-term profitability. She knows that happy employees do better work and, therefore, emphasizes treating people with respect and kindness. The term “employee” is forbidden; rather, everyone is a teammate.

There’s intolerance for the use of “I”; it must be “we.” Leadership amounts to achieving great results through efforts and learned competencies of others. It’s also about helping others win for the team, and their contributions and careers flourish in the process.

She insists on thoughtfulness from (especially) senior and middle management when communicating and working with people at all levels.  They treat everyone with respect. Genuine respect! No one can have an “air” about her / himself. In fact, they strive not to promote a “class” atmosphere.  Everyone is respected on an equal plain. Teammates don’t talk down to teammates! They help each other feel important and valued.

Learning from one another is stressed.  Asking how they may support one another is expected and, over time, comes naturally. Professional, selfless conversations are emphasized, showing how they care about everyone’s well-being as a teammate, colleague and another human being. They want to know one another’s stories. Focused listening, purposeful questions, and helpful responses and follow throughs are their methods of showing their genuine care.  It’s infectious.

They understand all leaders must be servant leaders; if they’re not, they are not leaders. Leaders serve others and help others become even higher performers. It’s the “we.”

There is no favoritism. Everyone plays an essential role. Everyone’s career development contributes to the company’s values and success. They strive for continuous improvement. Ideas are encouraged. The best ideas are bottom up and are built upon. Every idea is accepted and no idea is to be ridiculed.

Everyone is approachable and timely responses are always expected.  Showing respect with every written and verbalized word counts.

People are encouraged to ask questions and communicate openly.  It causes everyone to feel they are part of the decision-making process and success.

I very much admire this company, especially the culture it has developed and maintains. There’s a “family” feel. Team members are happy, encourage and assist one another with pleasure and gratitude, and know their ideas are wanted and matter.  While they all strive individually and collectively, it’s packaged as “all-for-one, one-for-all” to improve how they work, their experiences, and their results.

I’m sure the people of this company feel blessed to be an important and appreciated member of the team.