Creating a High Octane Culture - Part 10

In the classic movie The Blues Brothers, Aretha Franklin had high octane cultures all figured out. One word - RESPECT.

None of the other nine items on my list will matter if you don’t have respect for your team.

First of all, let’s assume that everyone on your team deserves respect. They work hard and are people of integrity. If not, then why are they with you in the first place? As Jim Collins says in Good to Great, get the right people on the bus, in the right seats, and get the wrong people off!

So, if someone is sticking out in your culture that doesn’t belong because of inefficient work or bad ethics then do yourself, your company and your other team members a favor and show the bum the door!

Ok, now assuming that you have the right people on the bus, in the right seats (meaning that your accounting person is not in sales), let’s focus on respect.

Without proper respect, you’ll never get people to drink your company’s Kool Aid.

So, how can you show (and get) respect? Here are some great ways:

1) Treat everyone the way you wish to be treated. Sound familiar? It’s kind of a golden rule from about 2000 years ago.

2) Don’t talk behind peoples’ backs. Don’t gossip or spread rumors. Nobody likes (or respects) a “chatty Jane.”

3) Be candid yet tactful. Americans have been raised to be nice and polite. Rarely does someone go against the grain and when they do, people feel uncomfortable and will slowly slip away from the conversation. Many companies have gone under because “harmony” was the “unwritten”rule #1. My rule – bag harmony and address what needs to be addressed. If someone needs a tough love performance review, bring it on! If it’s delivered in a skillful way, you’ll be doing the person a big favor. Clear messages are always helpful. It should never be a surprise to someone if they get fired. Good managers provide candid and clear discussions along the way.

4) Listen. Really Listen. Don’t just nod your head. Ask questions.

5) Show sincere appreciation for a job well done. This can’t be faked. “Great job with that dusting!” won’t work. When someone really works hard and does great work, sing it loud and proud! A person’s greatest need is to feel appreciated. So make it happen when they go above and beyond. Guess what? They’ll want to do it again.

6) Adopt servant mentality. We are all here to help. How can you help your superior, your customers and also your direct reports? Leave the ego at the door and don the attitude of servitude. A good leader leads by serving; ultimately serving the needs of the company. And the greatest need of a company starts with employees that feel respected.

These are just a few ways to show respect. I am sure you can find many more. In fact, all my other tips on creating a high impact culture involve respect.

Respect is the first ingredient in the recipe for high octane culture. With respect, you will foster loyalty, creativity, ownership, passion and strong work ethics. What more could you ask for out of your team?