How would you answer if you were asked to describe what its like to work at your company? I don’t mean the over-produced and scrubbed official message, I’m talking about how you truly feel. If you added a significant change into your corporate world does that change your answer? Do your colleagues behave the same way when big changes are on the horizon? Hmmm…what would you say or do differently under those circumstances?
Leaders Make Choices
As a Human Resources practitioner I’ve learned to appreciate human nature more and more. Why? The answer is simple => people behave in such bizarre ways when they are under pressure…or reacting to change…or even trying to position themselves for a sneak attack power grab. HR has, I believe, an obligation to maintain balance and calm during these stormy times. That means speaking our minds, not getting caught up in the power trip mentality and making sure above all else that the needs of the organization and its employees remain front and center.
“Once the conversation is only about power, the organization loses.”
That means the people lose. Oh, and let’s not forget that its those same people that we expect to work hard, remain loyal, execute our strategies, and understand when difficult decisions have to be made.
Power or Results: Which One is Better?
This is a trickier question than you might think. Obviously adopting a lust-for-power leadership style is not only ineffective, but is also embarrassingly transparent. However, if the right leaders do not have the appropriate level of power (read here => authority); good results will not follow. That’s the dilemma…making sure the right people have the authority to move the organization forward and also ensuring the power-grab doesn’t happen.
How About You
I’d love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
pic courtesy of keiththompsonart
