4. 2The Five Approaches To Dealing with The Elephant
1. “There Is an Elephant in the Office” Approach. Teamwork may be
discussed and ropes may be climbed in these organizations, but the all-
important “C” word—culture— remains whispered in the hallways. The
elephant remains unmentioned, though it stands in the middle of the room
munching on strategies and initiatives for lunch.
5. The Five Approaches To Dealing with The Elephant
2. The “Wish Management” Approach. While people intuitively know what is
right and wrong, they take few intentional actions in these organizations
because they do not know how to take them. Culture is talked about, but
guessing, wishing and hoping are the primary strategies for creating an
effective one. Hiring for talent with little regard for character is the norm
in such companies. Inevitably, all these tactics lead to “You can’t change
people” being muttered over unsatisfactory spreadsheets.
6. The Five Approaches To Dealing with The Elephant
3. The “Cheerleader” Approach. People in these organizations are
exposed to motivational speakers, false praise, elaborate rewards and
other gimmicks in an effort to externally motivate and engage them.
Rhetoric rules, with trite clichés posted and then forgotten in a day.
People are smart; they grow tired of such patently manipulative moves.
They are left feeling disenfranchised while objectives are never fully
realized. The true language of an effective culture remains foreign.
7. The Five Approaches To Dealing with The Elephant
4. The “People Are Our Priority” Approach. These organizations have
addressed the elephant, and thus enjoy fewer personnel issues. Culture,
discussed openly within boardrooms, bathrooms and everywhere else, is the
priority. Yet the workforce, while engaged and feeling good, remains
unharnessed and unfocused, and strategies are poorly executed. Here,
people are excited about where they work, but not the work they do.
That is because such organizations miss the point:
Results are the priority.
People and culture are the strategies to achieve the priority: to
deliver results
8. 5. The “Wellness Culture” Approach. This approach, which the
workforce is engaged and its actions are aligned with the
organization’s strategies and business objectives. These
organizations consistently strengthen this link because they
know that effective cultures are not a one-size fits-all
proposition. These groups have a common language that
addresses individual and collective behaviors—everyone
becomes more efficient. It is only in Wellness Cultures that
individuals and their organizations realize their true potentials.
10. How Culture Delivers Profits
“When the Elephant Does Not Exist”
How do we build leaders?
How do we build a Team?
How do we develop great employees?
11. How Culture Delivers Profits
“When the Elephant Does Not Exist”
What is a Wellness Culture?
Providing Leadership Tools
Open Communication
Respect
Improved Relationships
One Team Concept
12. • What Makes a Great Employee
• Survey Says
Personal Attributes
Ambitious
Good Communication Skills
Confident
Healthy
Humility
Intellectual Curiosity
Positive Outlook
Self Aware
Sense of Humor
Team Attributes
Team Player
Punctual and on time to meetings
Helps others check their work
Willing to Pitch in and help spread the
workload
Willing to work on all things
Cares about the company's goals
Willing to contribute ideas
Leadership Qualities
Follows timelines
Improves processes by time
Meets and Exceeds Expectations
Accepts Mistakes
13. • What Makes a Great Employee
• Survey Says
Individual
Cares
Committed
Loves their work
Dependable
Conscientious
Trust Worthy
Protects their superior from
embarrassment
Ethical and Professional standards and
conduct
Completes work on time
Self Starter
Always gives their best effort
Attention to detail and quality
Respectful to Others
Appreciates Others
Autonomous
Skills align with position
Takes on new challenges without hesitation
Responsive and open to improvement
Willing to learn
Always looking for ways to improve
Eager to learn
Never stops growing
Learns from mistakes
Willing to stretch outside their comfort zone
14. • What Makes a Great Employee
• Survey Says
Education
Never stops being a student
Tries to better themselves with further education
Uses educational tools offered by company
Works with each employee on how the learn
15. • What Makes a Great Work Place
• Survey Says
Company
Reputation for excellent quality/service
A commitment to excellence
What we do benefits our customers
Proper compensation - Livable Wage
Annual bonuses based on employees work product
Governance
Non dictatorial
Equality (no egos) Level Playing Field
Employees understand the structure of the company
Company allows for a democratic work environment
16. • What Makes a Great Work Place
• Survey Says
Work Environment
Comfortable environment to work
Good work environment
Conducive work environment
Clean and Healthy Work Environment
Individual
Individual recognition
Allows individuality
Every employee's ideas matter
Making sure an employee understands their contribution
to the company
Knowing every employees brings something to the table
Appreciation for employees ideas
Value an employees strengths
Values an employees abilities
17. • What Makes a Great Work Place
• Survey Says
Management
Proper Managers in place
Clear organizational structure
Wisely allocates resources
Hiring the right people
Employs thoughtful and helpful individuals
Management must make each employee responsible for
his or her work
Clear consequences for your actions and work product
Clear projects and tasks
Clear job and position parameters
Clear and achievable goals and expectations
Focus on solutions instead of problems
Addressing problems in an understanding fashion
Feedback - Positive and Negative
A clear review process
Shows employees the company cares
Open door policy
18. • What Makes a Great Work Place
• Survey Says
Opportunity
Opportunity for Growth and Development
Ability to grow within the company
Earned Autonomy
Individuals and Management
Takes time out to celebrate success
Are Responsive
Open to improvement
Supportive of positive direction and guidance
Fostering relationships built on respect
Commitment to Excellence
19. • What Makes a Great Work Place
• Survey Says
Education and Training
Training
Company spends time teaching and developing talent
A learning environment
Management has clear development paths for
employees
Work Place
Work should be challenging
Enjoying the people work with
A fun environment
Friendly
Helps Foster Laughter
Distraction Fee
Opportunity
Opportunity for Growth and Development
Ability to grow within the company
Earned Autonomy
20. • What Makes a Great Work Place
• Survey Says
Communication
Open Communication
Share Ideas
Ability to Disagree
Ability to communicate suggestions
Freedom to express yourself
Team
Work together as a team
Company fosters team work
Company a team environment
Team and coworker cooperation and support
21. • What Makes a Great Work Place
• Survey Says
Organizational Culture & Attitude
Positive energy
Positivity
Honesty
Respect
Appreciation
Sincerity
Trust
Wellness Culture
Leadership
Leaders inspires team to greatness
Leaders need to be good role models
Leaders must embrace a philosophy of team work
Larders should care about the workers
Leaders should care about the work product
Personal and Family
Company allows for sufficient personal time
Family and Personal lives matter
Treat each other as family
Life work balance