Leaders Walk the Halls

by John Keyser

I had an insightful conversation this week about a company that was a highly respected industry leader, known for its superior service. The conversation was with one of their former senior executives.

While for many years the company had been successful, there came a period when morale and their financial results were suffering. People who were once proud of their company had lost their enthusiasm. The company was headed towards financial disaster.

Then came new leadership. They stressed that the company would regain its prominence and once again become the leader in its field. This was initially met with skepticism, as people were dispirited.

Yet, the strategy of the new leadership was to rebuild the spirit and confidence of the people in this company – and they would do it by walking the halls.

That’s right, by walking the halls, not by being in meetings most of the days.

The best way to communicate they believed in their people was to personally interact with them, everyday, face-to-face. Encouraging them, asking for their ideas, listening to understand and to learn. This level of interaction and energy conveyed great confidence and appreciation to their people.

Conversations and interactions with one another from all levels shifted the dynamics, attitudes, collaboration, creativity and output of the entire company. And yes, they did regain their reputation as the most highly regarded company in their industry.

The executive with whom I was speaking was the manager of one of the critically important departments. She knew that for the team to perform at its best, they needed to be collaborative.

Collaboration was seemingly contradictory to the reality of the industry in which extreme internal competition is common.

She stressed that collaboration would lead to success – for everyone.

She continually encouraged everyone to share ideas. As they did, their creativity flourished and their results increased significantly.

She knew her people were accomplished and she regularly asked them for their ideas and input.

Within two years, the company completely turned around and regained its reputation, with superior financial results, thanks to their client retention and numerous new clients.

The key – leaders walk the halls to be with their people.

My invitation these next two weeks. Let’s be out of our offices – everyday – and go speak with our people, ask them:

• What they are learning from our clients?
• How can we save ourselves time, ease our work?
• What they feel our priorities should be in 2017?
• How we can help them?
• and similar purposeful questions…

Let’s stick a note on our computer monitor “walk the halls.”

Ignite and experience the spirit of our people!