Unlock Success with an Authentic Workplace Culture: 4 Steps to Identify, Develop, and Implement
It is important to understand what it is to have an authentic workplace culture and how to develop leaders to create a successful workplace. I recently released a podcast episode where I interviewed Jeannie Moravits Smith, the founder and CEO of Dynamism Leadership Coaching & Consulting. She is an amazing individual with years of experience in human capital and human resources, and she is a certified professional coach. She reminds us to 'be the leader you would follow' and she is all about connection. In this episode, I talked to Jeannie about her success criteria and factors that have made her successful. She details how to identify, develop, and critique an authentic workplace culture. Get ready to learn all the benefits of having an authentic workplace culture and how to unlock success with 4 steps!
About Jeannie Moravits Smith
Jeannie Moravits Smith is a leader in human capital and human resources, having worked her way up to several executive-level positions. Now, she focuses on coaching others on how to drive greater human connection through her company Dynamism Leadership Coaching & Consulting. As a trainer and HR consultant, Jeannie speaks with authenticity and honesty, and she doesn't shy away from telling it like it is. Jeannie is a straight-shooter who is passionate about encouraging authenticity and transparency in the workplace.
Why is it important to have an authentic workplace culture?
Having an authentic workplace culture is essential for cultivating an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration. It is important because it allows employees to be their true selves and encourages them to take risks and be innovative. An authentic workplace culture allows employees to feel comfortable enough to share their opinions, ideas, and experiences without fear of judgement, which in turn leads to a more productive and profitable work environment. Authenticity also builds stronger relationships between employees, and allows for better conflict resolution. Without authenticity, employees are less likely to build relationships with their colleagues or take the initiative to solve problems. Furthermore, creating an authentic workplace culture is an effective way to attract and retain talented employees, as it demonstrates that the organization values and respects its people. Authenticity in the workplace is key for fostering a healthy working environment and driving business success.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Identify what Authenticity, Connection, and Success mean to you.
2. Develop leadership skills and learn how to show that you care about people.
3. Speak honestly and don't be afraid to say "no" when something won't work.
4. Bring in talent that supports the culture you're working to build.
1. Identify what Authenticity, Connection, and Success mean to you.
Identifying what authenticity, connection, and success mean to you can be a difficult but rewarding process. To begin, consider your values and the values of those around you. How do you define success? What is important to you in terms of connection and authenticity? Do you prioritize being genuine and authentic in all of your interactions, or do you value being seen as a leader? Answering these questions can help you determine what authenticity, connection, and success mean to you. In addition to reflecting on your own values and beliefs, consider what authenticity, connection, and success mean to other people. What do your colleagues, friends, and family value? How do they define success? Do they prioritize connection or strive for success? Exploring how other people view these concepts can help you gain insight into how you view them. By considering your values and beliefs, as well as those of those around you, you can identify what authenticity, connection, and success mean to you. This can help you develop a better understanding of what motivates and drives you and the importance of being true to yourself.
Once you have identified the meaning of authenticity, connection, and success for yourself, you can use this knowledge to help guide your decisions. Knowing what is important to you can help you stay on track with your goals and remain true to yourself. For example, if success to you means achieving your goals while being authentic and connected to others, then you can be sure to focus on those objectives. Moreover, understanding what authenticity, connection, and success mean to you can help you create meaningful relationships with others. Knowing what matters to you and being able to share that with those around you can help build strong, authentic connections. It can also help you recognize when others are genuine and connected to you, so that you can nurture and maintain those relationships. By understanding what authenticity, connection, and success mean to you, you can gain insight into your values and beliefs and use them to make informed decisions. This can help you stay on track with your goals and create meaningful relationships with those around you.
2. Develop leadership skills and learn how to show that you care about people.
Developing leadership skills and learning how to show that you care about people is essential in any job role. The first step is to identify what it is that you need to do to show that you care. This could be anything from being understanding and patient with employees, to recognizing their accomplishments and celebrating successes. Secondly, it is important to be a leader that people can look up to and trust. This includes being honest and authentic, and not shying away from difficult conversations. Additionally, it is important to be open to feedback and willing to take constructive criticism. Finally, listening to employees and understanding their needs and wants is a great way to show that you care about them. Showing genuine interest in their lives and being available for mentorship and guidance is also a great way to demonstrate that you care.
Leadership is not just about managing people but also about inspiring and motivating them. Leaders need to be able to effectively communicate their vision and goals to their team and make sure that everyone is on the same page. This can be done through regular meetings, providing feedback and recognition, and creating a culture of collaboration and respect. Additionally, leaders need to stay up to date on industry trends and be able to recognize opportunities for their team to grow and develop. By creating a positive and encouraging environment, leaders can motivate their team to reach their full potential. Leaders also need to be able to inspire their team to take ownership of their tasks and responsibilities. This can be done through setting clear expectations and providing constructive feedback. Additionally, it is important to provide autonomy and let employees have some degree of control over their work. By encouraging ownership, employees will be more likely to take initiative and make decisions that will benefit the company in the long run.
3. Speak honestly and don't be afraid to say "no" when something won't work.
The third step in this process is speaking honestly and not being afraid to say "no" when something won't work. In the interview with Jeannie Moravits Smith, she speaks of her own experiences of having to stand up to her bosses and speak honestly, even when it wasn't popular. She also discusses how she screens potential candidates for any given job, looking for a particular set of skills, knowledge, and abilities. She also looks for a certain level of honesty and authenticity, and is able to pick up on whether or not a person is trying to be something they are not. She speaks of her own intuition and how she would ask probing questions to get to the root of the matter. If she didn't think a candidate fit the job, she would not be afraid to say "no" and move on to the next candidate. This step is very important in order to find the best match for the job, and it requires honesty and a willingness to speak up even when it is uncomfortable.
In addition to speaking honestly, it is also important to be open to new ideas and approaches. The best candidates are those who are open to learning new skills, exploring new ways of thinking, and challenging themselves to find better solutions. This is especially important in today's rapidly changing world, where new technologies and techniques are emerging. It is important to be able to keep up with trends and to be able to think outside the box. As such, it is important to ask questions, be curious, and be open to considering new approaches. Lastly, it is essential to have courage and confidence when speaking up or saying no. This is especially true when it comes to interviewing potential candidates. It can be intimidating to have to make a decision and stand by it. However, it is important to remember that you are the expert in the field and that you are the one who knows what is best for the job. Being confident and having the courage to speak up or say no when something won't work is essential to finding the right fit for the job.
4. Bring in talent that supports the culture you're working to build.
The last step in this process is to acquire talent that supports the culture you're working to build. This involves breaking down a job description into its component skills, abilities, and knowledge to identify exactly what is needed to be successful in that role. It is important to think about the job from a holistic perspective and consider the entire range of potential requirements. For example, if it is a customer service role, a candidate should have strong communication skills and an understanding of the company's product or service. Once the job requirements are clearly defined, the next step is to look for the best match. This involves screening and interviewing potential candidates to find the person who best meets the job criteria. It is important to ask probing questions in order to get to the root of who the candidate is and if they are a good fit for the job. It is also important to observe the candidate's behavior and body language to get an accurate picture of who they are. Finally, it is essential to use intuition and trust your gut to make the right decision on the best candidate for the job.
At the same time, it is important to keep an open mind when looking for the best match. You may find that a candidate who does not have all the technical skills may have the right attitude and personality to make them a good fit for a job. It is also important to consider the potential for growth and development within the role. Candidates who are eager to learn and demonstrate potential to grow within the role may be a better fit than someone who seems to have all the skills but is not willing to expand their knowledge. Finally, it is important to take into account the cultural fit of a candidate. Having someone who is a good fit with the company culture can be just as important as having someone with the right technical skills. The seventh step in the hiring process is a critical one, as it sets the stage for making the right choice. Taking the time to define the job requirements and look for the best match will ensure that the right candidate is chosen in the end. By keeping an open mind and considering the potential for growth and development, as well as the cultural fit, you can make sure to choose the most qualified candidate for the job.
Having an authentic workplace culture is essential for cultivating an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration. To unlock success, you must identify what authenticity, connection, and success mean to you, as well as consider the values of those around you. You must also develop leadership skills, and speak honestly. Finally, it is important to bring in talent that supports the culture you're trying to build. With the right steps, you can create an authentic workplace culture and unlock success. Remember: with hard work and dedication you can achieve the same results.
I’d love to hear how you apply these principles to get authenticity, connection, success. Leave me a comment on how it went for you or drop any questions you want me to answer!