Organizational Culture - Activate Group Inc

How to Incorporate Accountability into Your Workplace Culture

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Howard Shore

Accountability is the backbone of any successful business. As a business leader and author, I’ve seen firsthand how fostering a culture of accountability can catapult a company’s performance and results. This article will explore what accountability means in a business, why it matters, and five proven techniques to infuse accountability into your workplace culture.

What Does Accountability Mean in a Business?

In business, accountability isn’t merely about pointing fingers when something goes wrong. It’s about nurturing a sense of ownership, where every team member takes responsibility for their actions and the outcomes they produce.

A culture of accountability fosters transparency, trust, and an environment conducive to growth and innovation. It empowers employees to work with a sense of purpose and commitment, directly impacting the company’s bottom line.

The Impact of a Lack of Accountability: Why It Matters

Neglecting accountability can lead to detrimental effects, such as time waste, inconsistent performance, and diminished team morale. It’s like sailing a ship with a hole in the hull; no matter how well you navigate, you’re bound to sink eventually, as I explained in my book “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket.”

However, when accountability is ingrained into the workplace culture, it paves the way for improved efficiency, consistent performance, and a higher level of engagement from the team.

How to Develop Accountability: 5 Techniques

Now, let’s delve into how to instill this vital trait into your workplace culture.

(1) Lead by Example: The best way to encourage accountability is by exemplifying it. Leaders must walk the talk. Admit mistakes when they occur, take responsibility for team outcomes, and show how you strive for improvements.

(2) Develop Two-Way Feedback Skills: A culture of accountability thrives on open communication. Cultivate a feedback-rich environment where team members can freely share constructive feedback, voice concerns, and present ideas.

(3) Goal Setting: Goals provide a clear path and end-point for employees to strive towards. Each team member should have a well-defined role with specific, measurable goals that align with the company’s broader objectives.

(4) Develop Trust and Empower: Trust your team to take on responsibilities and let them make decisions within their realm. This empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and drives accountability.

(5) Recognize and Reward: Acknowledge team members who consistently demonstrate accountability. This recognition sends a clear message about the behaviors and values your organization applauds.

Building accountability into your workplace culture doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent effort, clear communication, and above all, a steadfast commitment from leadership. Remember, as I stated in “The Leader Launchpad,” “Your people are your business. Treat them well, and they will treat your customers well.”

About the Author: Howard M. Shore is the CEO of Activate Group, Inc., an expert in business strategy and performance improvement, and a sought-after speaker. He is the author of “The Leader Launchpad” and “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket,” sharing his extensive knowledge and experience in leadership, team development, and operational efficiency.

The High Cost of Poor Leadership: An Unseen Tax on Your Business

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Howard Shore

Imagine a company, let’s call it XYZ Inc., with the potential to skyrocket. They possess innovative products, robust financial backing, and a promising market. However, despite these assets, XYZ’s growth graph remains stubbornly flat. Employee morale is low, turnover rates are high, and productivity is waning. The culprit? Poor leadership.

Studies have shown that poor leadership can cost companies enormously financially and in their corporate culture. According to Topgrading guru Brad Smart, hiring the wrong leader can cost anywhere between 10 and 25 times the compensation. Moreover, Gallup found that 70% of the variation in employee engagement is attributable to managers.

What this tells us is clear: The price we pay for poor leadership is too high.

Identifying the Price of Poor Leadership

Poor leadership results in a deteriorating corporate culture. Employees lose faith in their organization, feeling undervalued and disengaged. This disengagement manifests in absenteeism, high turnover rates, and underperformance, creating a vicious cycle that saps a company’s vitality.

These issues were quite apparent in XYZ Inc. The symptoms were clear, but they struggled to diagnose the root cause. An unhealthy focus on short-term goals and neglect of employee development created a culture of disillusionment and detachment. This drove their most talented employees away, while those who remained were disengaged and underproductive. XYZ Inc. was, in effect, hemorrhaging potential.

Evaluating Leadership Effectiveness

So, how can we recognize poor leadership and, more importantly, measure leadership effectiveness? It comes down to three factors: employee engagement, productivity, and business growth. Engaged employees are more productive, and productivity drives growth. It’s a simple formula that can quickly become complicated by poor leadership.

Leadership is a tricky metric to measure. However, a good starting point could be regular employee feedback and monitoring productivity and employee turnover rates. In the words from my book, “The Leader Launchpad,” “What gets measured gets done. What gets measured and fed back gets done well. What gets rewarded gets repeated.”

Turning Things Around: Strategies to Improve Leadership Approach

After identifying the root of their problems, XYZ Inc. decided to turn things around. They embraced strategies that encouraged better leadership and cultivated a healthier corporate culture.

Firstly, they addressed the leadership issue by investing in comprehensive leadership training programs. They recognized the need for leaders who could inspire, motivate, and engage their teams rather than merely manage them.

Secondly, they began identifying emerging leaders within their organization. These individuals showed initiative, adaptability, and strong communication skills – all hallmarks of good leadership. These emerging leaders were nurtured, given further development opportunities, and gradually transitioned into leadership roles.

Additionally, XYZ Inc. shifted its focus from short-term wins to long-term growth. They understood the value of employee development and started investing in their people, which improved engagement and reduced turnover.

Turning Potential into Performance

Over time, the results of these interventions became clear. Employee engagement surged, productivity increased, and turnover rates decreased dramatically. Most importantly, XYZ Inc.’s growth graph finally started to climb. It’s not an overnight process, but any company can replicate this success with consistent effort and focus.

The case of XYZ Inc. illustrates the cost of poor leadership and the power of effective leadership to drive growth. In my book, “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket,” I wrote, “Just because you’re in the driver’s seat, doesn’t mean you know the direction you’re going or how to get there.” Leadership is the compass that provides direction and a destination for your business. Poor leadership will lead you astray, while effective leadership will guide you toward success.

About the Author: Howard M. Shore is the CEO of Activate Group, Inc., a leadership coaching company, and the author of “The Leader Launchpad” and “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket.” With decades of leadership experience, Howard has helped countless companies turn potential into performance. His work aims to help businesses optimize their operations and leadership, ultimately leading to improved productivity and growth.

Internal Recruitment: The Underrated Powerhouse for Staffing Solutions

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Howard Shore

In the bustling corridors of Alpha Industries, a multinational tech giant, there was a mounting sense of disarray. Despite the organization’s innovative spirit, it was losing its competitive edge. Staffing vacancies were as constant as the tick of the clock, with the HR department perpetually trying to fill seats. Their predicament stemmed from a critical deficiency – the absence of a coherent internal recruitment strategy.

Many companies find themselves in a similar predicament, unsure of how to leverage the power of internal recruitment, a potent tool often underutilized. It’s a scenario I frequently underscore in my book, “The Leader Launchpad,” where I explain that “Organizations, like rockets, can only reach their desired destinations by continuously adjusting their course.” The course correction we’re exploring today is internal recruitment.

Rethinking Internal Recruitment

Typically, internal recruitment refers to promoting or reshuffling existing employees. However, it’s more than just filling a vacancy with an insider. It’s a comprehensive strategy that encompasses developing an internal recruitment team or designating an internal recruiter, cultivating an environment that promotes employee referrals, and ensuring existing employees are continuously upskilled and primed for possible advancement.

An internal recruitment team can tap into the rich potential within your organization, identifying rising stars, understanding the skill sets available, and mapping potential career trajectories. It’s also responsible for fostering a culture that encourages employee referrals, which can uncover impressive candidates who can seamlessly fit into the existing company ethos.

Weighing Internal Recruitment and Its Alternatives

Internal recruitment offers multiple advantages:

Employee Retention: Career progression opportunities within the company can enhance job satisfaction, reducing turnover.
Cost-Saving: With an internal team, expenses related to job advertisements, agency fees, and prolonged onboarding are mitigated.
Understanding of the Business and Culture: As existing members, the team grasps your company culture, facilitating a smoother transition and placement process.
Shorter Learning Curve: Current employees are already acquainted with the business operations, resulting in faster productivity ramp-ups.

However, like all strategies, it has its limitations:

Potential Stagnation: Relying solely on internal talent can limit the inflow of fresh ideas.
Limited Talent Pool: An internal focus could mean missing out on external professionals with the latest skills.

An Effective Talent Acquisition Strategy Requires a Mix of Internal and External Hiring Practices.

Here’s where different methods come into play:

External Recruiters: Best for unique or high-level roles that require a specific skill set or experience. They can find those rare gems worth investing top dollar in.
Job Posting Online: Ideal for roles with a broader candidate pool. It’s an inexpensive way to reach a wide audience.
Internal Recruiters: Perfect for continual or volume hiring needs, where understanding the organization’s culture and needs is critical.

The transformation of Alpha Industries is a testament to the power of strategic internal recruitment. They built a dedicated internal recruitment team, focused on employee referrals, and struck a balance with external hiring. The result was a richer candidate pool, a faster hiring process, and enhanced employee satisfaction.

As I stated in “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket,” “What gets measured gets managed.” Regularly assess the success of your recruitment strategies, adjust as needed, and remember that internal recruitment is more than a strategy – it’s a culture.

Howard M. Shore, CEO of Activate Group Inc., is a seasoned business consultant known for transforming organizations into market leaders. Author of “The Leader Launchpad” and “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket,” he guides businesses to enhance performance, develop effective strategies, and maximize potential. His firm is committed to building leadership capacity and driving growth.

BOOK SUMMARY – The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues, by Patrick Lencioni

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Howard Shore

“The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues,” by Patrick Lencioni*, presents a game-changing model for organizations striving to achieve harmonious teamwork and superior performance. The author encapsulates this in the triad of virtues: Humble, Hungry, and Smart.

Let’s delve into these virtues (Humble, Hungry, and Smart):

Humble: Lencioni believes humility is the single greatest and most indispensable attribute of being a team player. Humble individuals are quick to point out the contributions of others and slow to seek attention for their own. They share credit, emphasize team over self, and define success collectively rather than individually.
Hungry: The hungry ones are always seeking more. More things to do. More to learn. More responsibility. They’re self-motivated and diligent. Their work ethic keeps them going when others drop their pace.
Smart: Here, ‘smart’ does not refer to intellectual capacity. Instead, it refers to a person’s interpersonal intelligence. Smart people are intuitive in social situations. They understand the nuances of team interaction, how to handle others, and how to say things in a way that doesn’t upset or confuse them.

Lencioni illustrates the importance of these virtues through character profiles.

Pawn – Humble but not hungry or smart, leading to passivity.
Bulldozer – Hungry and smart but not humble, causing them to steamroll over others in their pursuit of goals.
Charmer – Smart but lacks humility and hunger, making them likable but unreliable.
Accidental Mess Maker – Humble and hungry but not smart, which means they unintentionally create issues.
Lovable Slacker – Humble and smart but not hungry, resulting in complacency.
Skillful Politician – Hungry and smart but not humble, leading to manipulative behaviors.
Ideal Team Player – Embodies all three virtues, aligning their personal ambitions with the team’s success, inspiring and uplifting others, and acting with intelligence and empathy.

How do we implement the Ideal Team Player model in our organizations?

Hiring: During the recruitment process, look beyond technical skills. Incorporate behavioral interview techniques and scenario-based questions to identify humble, hungry, and smart traits. Remember, skills can be taught, but character is intrinsic.
Assessing current employees: Use the model as a lens to evaluate your current team. This helps identify who may be lacking in one or more virtues. Everyone can have an off day, so consistent patterns should guide assessments, not isolated incidents.
Developing employees: If you find team members lacking in any virtue, create personalized development plans. Coach and mentor them, providing actionable feedback to help them grow.
Embedding in the organization’s culture: Make these virtues part of your company’s DNA. Celebrate and reward examples of humble, hungry, and smart behavior. Make them part of performance reviews, goal-setting, and team-building activities.

The key to embedding these virtues into your organization is consistency. Talk about them, live them, and hold each other accountable. This book’s brilliance lies not in a new concept but in the simplicity and clarity with which it refines what we already know to be true about effective teamwork. Lencioni’s model doesn’t just transform teams—it transforms entire organizations.

In summary, “The Ideal Team Player” is more than a book; it’s a road map to individual growth and organizational success. So, let’s all be humble enough to accept our shortcomings, hungry enough to keep growing, and smart enough to foster positive team dynamics. Together, we can build a culture where everyone is an ideal team.

About the Author: Howard M. Shore is the CEO of Activate Group Inc, a distinguished business performance expert, and the author of best-selling books “The Leader Launchpad” and “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket.” With his wealth of experience, Shore helps organizations unlock their potential by putting people at the heart of their strategies. His motivational and positive tone empowers leaders to transform their businesses through his innovative techniques and thought leadership.

(*) Footnote: Lencioni, P. (2016). The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues. Jossey-Bass.

Unmasking the Productivity Crisis: Is Your Business Suffering Silently?

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Howard Shore

Nestled in the bustling heart of Silicon Valley, there was a tech start-up named Velocity. It was a name synonymous with speed and direction, yet it had stagnated. The workforce was well-intentioned and diligent, logging extra hours and investing every ounce of energy they could muster. Despite their intense efforts, the firm’s output simply didn’t match the input; productivity was low. The impact was palpable; profits were dwindling, and staff morale and retention were at an all-time low. However, the course of Velocity’s journey drastically changed. But more on that later. For now, let’s explore the crux of a business productivity crisis and how to navigate it.

The Productivity Crisis

A productivity crisis has the power to stealthily slip into your business’s foundations, eroding the essence of your operations. It’s not just about the bottom line, though profits will undeniably take a hit. The ripples of low productivity extend to employee well-being and retention. Chronic overworking without achieving the desired outcomes can lead to employee burnout, further exacerbating the crisis. When employees feel their efforts aren’t resulting in meaningful progress, it creates a disconnect that drives them to seek fulfillment elsewhere.

Addressing the Productivity Gap

Addressing this productivity gap often starts with investing in two vital areas: comprehensive training and equipping your teams with the right tools. Training is paramount. It sharpens the workforce’s skills, aligning their abilities with the company’s needs. It’s not just about hard skills; soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management are equally essential.

Moreover, the right tools in your arsenal can significantly streamline operations, saving time and resources. This could range from project management software and CRM systems to cutting-edge AI and automation tools. However, simply having the tools isn’t enough. It’s about leveraging them effectively and ensuring every team member knows how to use them fully.

In my book, “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket,” I wrote, “Even if you have the best people in the world if they don’t have the right tools and processes in place, you will have leaks.” Therefore, training and tool mastery become your business’s sturdy patches, sealing these leaks.

Transitioning to a High Productivity Environment

The transition from a low to a high-productivity environment often requires a paradigm shift in management style. Introducing a more flexible, empathetic management approach that recognizes employees as individuals can have a transformative impact. A culture that embraces autonomy encourages innovative thinking, prioritizes employees’ well-being, and fosters a conducive environment for productivity.

The Velocity story mentioned earlier brings these principles to life. They realized their struggle wasn’t due to a lack of effort or talent but a systemic issue requiring strategic changes. They invested heavily in industry-specific training, ensuring every employee had a clear understanding of their role. They introduced advanced tools, equipping their teams with everything necessary for peak performance. Moreover, they shifted towards a more participative management style, focusing on transparent communication and nurturing innovation. The turnaround was remarkable. Velocity saw a 40% increase in productivity within a year, translating into a substantial profit boost while their employee retention rate improved.

In closing, a business experiencing a productivity crisis isn’t destined to doom. With targeted training, appropriate tools, and a change in management style, you can transform this crisis into an opportunity for growth. I always say, “In every problem, there’s a hidden treasure of opportunity.”

About the Author: Howard M. Shore is the CEO of Activate Group, Inc., a renowned executive coach, and a leading authority on organizational productivity. His experience of over 30 years in facilitating business growth culminates in his books “The Leader Launchpad” and “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket.” He is passionate about helping businesses optimize their productivity, thereby driving success. With a belief in the transformative power of potential, Howard continually guides businesses to unearth and harness their true capabilities.

Optimizing Your Recruitment Process: Attract, Evaluate, Hire, Repeat!

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Howard Shore

Once upon a time, a rapidly growing software company named Delta SoftCorp struggled with recruitment. Their process was unstructured, leading to wasted resources and a mismatch in employee-organization fit. This company had a great business model, dedicated employees, and top-notch products. Still, its recruitment process was like a boat with a hole – no matter how hard they rowed, the water seeping in through their leaky recruitment process was sinking their growth.

Fast forward three years later, Delta SoftCorp has successfully become an industry leader with a bustling pipeline of top-notch candidates waiting to join their ranks. What changed? They transformed their recruitment process. This article shares the steps they took to optimize their recruitment process and how you can do the same.

Common Recruitment Challenges and How to Overcome Them

There are common hurdles in the recruitment process, including attracting quality candidates, time consumption, and maintaining objectivity. Overcoming these challenges requires a structured and proactive approach. For example, Delta SoftCorp started using data-driven recruitment software to streamline the recruitment process, avoid biases, and ultimately hire better talent.

Consequences of Poor Recruitment

In my book, “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket,” I mention, “A business, like a bucket, is designed to store value. The holes are where value escapes.” A poor recruitment process is one such hole. It can lead to employee turnover, decreased productivity, wasted resources, and negative company culture.

Steps in the Recruitment Process and Best Approaches

(1) Identify the Hiring Need: Before posting a job, understand the responsibilities, necessary skills, and ideal personality for the role.

(2) Attract Candidates: Leverage social media, job boards, referrals, and talent pipelines. Delta SoftCorp implemented an Employee Referral Program, which boosted their candidate quality and quantity.

(3) Screen Candidates: Techniques to eliminate unfit candidates early include evaluating resumes against a checklist, initial phone interviews, and using pre-assessment tools.

(4) Interviews and Evaluations: Involve Human Resources and the team they’ll work with, giving you a rounded evaluation. Involving managers efficiently in this process means setting clear expectations and training them to conduct effective interviews.

(5) Offer and Onboard: Ensure your salary and perks are competitive. A successful onboarding process includes helping new hires understand their role and the company culture.

What Measures Tell You That Each Step is Operating Optimally

In an optimal recruitment process, positions are filled quickly by the right candidates. You can use metrics like Time-to-Fill, Quality of Hire, and Cost-per-Hire to assess efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

Hire for Your Culture

Hiring for skills is crucial, but don’t neglect cultural fit. Hiring people who align with your company’s values helps create a harmonious work environment. Delta SoftCorp now focuses on this as a major part of its recruitment process.

Fair Salary and Perks

Offering competitive compensation and benefits is vital to attracting and retaining top talent. A comprehensive industry standard research should be the base of your salary structure.

How to Optimize the Manager’s Involvement?

Managers are critical in hiring but are often burdened with multiple tasks. To optimize their involvement, streamline the process with structured interviews and training, and provide clear guidelines on their role in the hiring process.

By applying these strategies, Delta SoftCorp turned its recruitment process into a powerful engine driving its success. Today, they boast a robust talent pipeline, lower employee turnover, and a happier and more productive workforce.

So, take the first step towards fixing the recruitment process leak in your leaky bucket today and see the transformative effects on your organization tomorrow.

Howard M. Shore is the CEO of Activate Group Inc., a bestselling author, and a serial entrepreneur specializing in liberating C-Suite teams from the barriers holding them back personally and professionally. He is the author of “The Leader Launchpad” and “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket,” bringing his wealth of experience to guide business leaders toward success.

BOOK SUMMARY – Think Again by Adam Grant: The Power of Cognitive Humility and Scientific Thinking for Personal and Professional Growth

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Howard Shore

“Think Again” by Adam Grant is an enlightening book that encourages readers to embrace the power of rethinking. The author, a top-rated professor and researcher at Wharton, argues that by challenging our assumptions and being open to new ideas, we can improve our lives and contribute positively to society.

Grant begins by discussing the concept of “cognitive humility,” which is the willingness to acknowledge that our beliefs and opinions may not always be correct. He stresses the importance of seeking out diverse perspectives and being open to feedback, which can help us learn and grow.

The book also delves into the dangers of sticking to one’s convictions and the negative consequences of closed-mindedness. Grant provides numerous examples of individuals and organizations that have succeeded by being willing to reconsider their assumptions and make changes accordingly.

One of the key takeaways from “Think Again” is the idea of embracing the mindset of a “scientific thinker.” This involves adopting a curious and skeptical approach to information, gathering evidence and testing hypotheses before drawing conclusions. By doing so, we can avoid falling prey to confirmation bias and making decisions based on flawed assumptions.

The book also explores the importance of effective communication and the role that listening plays in fostering constructive dialogue. Grant provides practical advice on approaching difficult conversations and engaging in productive debate, highlighting the value of curiosity and humility in these interactions.

Overall, “Think Again” is a thought-provoking and inspiring read that encourages readers to embrace the power of rethinking. By adopting a curious and open-minded approach to life, we can become more resilient, adaptable, and successful in all areas of our lives.

Why the Key to Employee Retention is Engagement: Unleashing the Power of People for Organizational Success

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Howard Shore

When Michigan-based manufacturer Acme Industries noticed a disturbing trend of dwindling employee morale and escalating turnover rates in 2022, they knew it was a wake-up call. The company, recognized for its innovative solutions, was suddenly grappling with a pervasive issue plaguing many organizations today: a disengaged workforce. This article explores why employee engagement is crucial for talent retention and how to create a thriving workplace environment that cultivates this engagement.

The Unseen ROI of Employee Retention

Retaining skilled employees goes beyond mere cost savings on recruitment. Experienced employees deliver superior productivity and work quality, thanks to their extensive understanding of their roles. Further, their deep-rooted knowledge about the business plays a significant role in nurturing customer relationships and driving business growth. A consistent workforce builds a culture of loyalty and commitment, fortifying the company’s stature as an employer of choice.

Essential Drivers for Retaining Talent

The crux of employee retention lies in grasping what motivates your talent pool. At the top of the list is fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition. In my book, “The Leader Launchpad,” I emphasize, “If you want to increase performance, start by increasing recognition.”

Secondly, availing growth and development opportunities is critical. In today’s dynamic business landscape, employees crave learning experiences that guarantee relevance and contribute to their career advancement.

Lastly, promoting a healthy work-life balance and a supportive work environment is vital. Employees stick around where they feel their personal lives and well-being are esteemed.

Effective Employee Retention Strategies

(1) Employee Engagement: Engaging employees is about inspiring them to align their energies with the company’s mission. Advocate open communication, solicit their thoughts, and acknowledge their input.

(2) Competitive Compensation: Ensure your pay scales and benefits package align with industry standards. Employees feel esteemed when they perceive they are justly compensated.

(3) Learning and Development Opportunities: Institute training programs and mentorship opportunities help foster careers instead of jobs. This move will enhance their skill sets and manifest your commitment to their professional progress.

(4) Promote a Positive Company Culture: Foster a workplace that respects diversity, encourages collaboration, and cherishes work-life balance.

It’s essential to remember, as I expounded in “Your Business is a Leaky Bucket,” “Processes are important, but people make the business.” Investing in employee engagement will undoubtedly reap long-term benefits.

Acme Industries embraced this philosophy. They focused on boosting employee engagement, prioritized open communication, and launched comprehensive training programs. The result was a dramatic turnaround – improved productivity, higher retention rates, and a stronger bottom line.

It’s not just about products or services; it’s about people. Organizations that understand this flourish. Implement these strategies to keep your top talent and build a high-performance culture that drives your business toward success.