What does “do better” mean?
What does "do better" mean? Does it mean working together for a common goal in a fair way? Does it mean that doing something important together is more satisfying than doing it alone? Does being better mean that we see and appreciate the worth of others, not just acknowledge it? Does it mean giving those who make mistakes some understanding and not immediately judging or criticizing them? Does it mean sticking to who we are while using better ways that benefit everyone, not just some of us?
I think we can and must “do better.” I believe it begins with personal integrity, demonstrated through daily demonstrations of honesty and responsibility. Each of us must relentlessly tell the truth, not “situational or relative” truth but a real and commonly held, principle-based truth. Truth that is clearly observable to the trained and untrained eye. Leaders must seek the truth in others as well – giving those that would hedge the truth the grace to come clean.
I believe setting clear expectations with others and holding to those expectations promotes responsibility. When team members and others know who you really are and what you honestly expect. This personal connection to what is expected creates an environment in which accepting tasks and responsibly delivering high-quality results becomes the norm and doing better becomes more than a phrase – it becomes a way of work.
Dialogue and an appetite for a conversation focused on improvement are central to the effort to “do better.” Whether it’s in our personal lives or our professional lives – talking with and not at others is central to establishing shared values and beliefs. Conversation is at the heart of inspiration and sharing a sense of mission, of accomplishing something larger than self.
Creating an organization that is honest and willing to hold conversations about important matters will lead to a more positive work culture. Organizations that talk about important matters create virtuous cycles that reinforce the positive elements within an organization focused on next-generation success.
Organizations where people feel engaged, motivated and invested – where the culture is nurturing and supportive are ultimately more successful in the short and longer-term.
Many of you have experienced work or personal life moments where the environment was incredibly positive – where the culture was rich, where everyone was united in purpose and focused on the task or tasks at hand. For many of us, it’s why we chose to continue on the journey into the executive leadership – to create spaces where real and important work can be done.
It is a culture which allows strategy.
Leaders who aren’t tuned into the culture of the workplace do so at their own peril.
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