A common trait shared by many well-regarded business leaders is a constant thirst for knowledge. They want to grow what they know, learn about the latest trends, master new crafts.
Many of us, though, stop the active process of learning when we leave our last institution of tertiary or higher education. After I obtained my degrees and passed my qualifying exams, I declared myself free from the burden of studying. For many years I did not purposefully invest time and energy in developing my skill and knowledge base.
Sure, I learnt a lot over the years. And I regret very little. But looking back, I believe that it could have been far more fruitful and less haphazard had I put some thought, planning and science into the process.
The culture of an organisation is deep-rooted and sits outside policies and procedures. Yet, it drives the way people behave towards each other, in how things are done and what outcomes are expected and aimed for. The culture in an SME takes its cue from you, the entrepreneur, and naturally flows to the rest of the organisation. Rarely will it be deliberately cultivated; you scarcely have enough time to do the most urgent tasks, let alone dedicate time to work on the culture of your business…
In truth, it is your attitude that determines culture, and so it will be with learning and in dealing with errors. As much as you may have a zero-tolerance approach to errors, you can use it as an opportunity to learn from and grow as and when it does happen. Create opportunities to learn (other than from mistakes…), from sources inside and outside your organisation, and set the example by actively participating in these. Put in place development plans and processes to increase knowledge and skills across all levels of your business. Grow your talent pool to grow your business.
Also, prove that you appreciate the efforts that your colleagues make to improve productivity. Incentivise good behaviour. With this, we do not propose bonuses and profit shares at every opportunity. The first level of motivation and reward is monetary, and this follows the simple rule that the more you have the more you’ll spend – apparently on Aston Martins, Porsches and Lamborghinis if it comes too easily. Powerful motivators other than money that you can employ are recognition, increased responsibility, development and self-determination.
It is important to not exclude yourself from these practices. You also need to grow to take your business to the next level. You also need to be rewarded for good behaviour. Spoil yourself with something that has meaning to you when you reach certain targets or milestones.
Your mindset for growth, learning and reward should be inclusive and visible.
So say the bosses
“My biggest motivation? Just to keep challenging myself. I see life almost like one long University education that I never had — every day I’m learning something new.” – Richard Branson
“It’s fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” – Bill Gates
“One of the smartest things we ever did was to reward our staff properly. . . . Don’t have the mindset that incentivising staff will eat into your profits. Incentives work like an investment.” – Marnus Broodryk
Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People remains a trusted reference. Habit 4 talks about recognising our interdependence and creating a win-win for all. It is grounded in a mindset of abundance that believes there is enough to go around.
The Sologix solution
This post concludes our series on the GrowthWheel decision sheet Culture of Productivity. Collectively they aim to encourage a culture that always stimulates learning and improving.
Learning culture
Focus on the ongoing development of employee skills through education, training by colleagues, instruction and documentation.
Error culture
Communicate that errors are opportunities to learn and let employees work with error correction. GrowthWheel sheet B3.11 deals with error correction by implementing the 5 Why’s technique in your business.
Incentive culture
Create policies and systems that reward the employees who contribute to increasing productivity.
Sologix can help you develop a culture of productivity in your business. Engage with Sologix to help you on this path. Join an online course or contact us for personal business coaching by sending us an email here.
