Whose kidding who? It's always been about the bottom line---the profit and loss for the Company, and the compensation package for the leadership group, the one that is at THE table. Hey, as stockholders, we're all looking for a return, ... warm and fuzzy for the rank and file comes later?!
But some are saying winds of change are blowing across the Capitalistic and Corporate landscape, even with a blessing from Wall Street. Those who have a heart for what the HR community does---the idealistic, the talent development champions, certainly those selling books about personal and corporate development, ... this crew is getting excited. But are they really winds howling through the hallways, or just writers yelping; more gadflies and advocates than flies on the wall reporting what's actually happening in the Boardroom and in the corner offices?
Are People mattering more, ... and what about this "Transparency" word?
Diane Stafford of Mcclatchy News Service quotes the invisible, but audible:
"We can't grow without the right talent in the right jobs and compensated at the right level."
"We've invested in some professional coaching for some of our identified leaders."
Sounds good, but when did this get screamed out? Surely not during the stimulus days and the downsizing to survive strategies. Then Leaders could say anything to the employees who did not get cut, and the masses just may have reassured their Indian Chief that he had the most beautiful headdress on, ... even when he had no clothes?? Where did I hear that... did I get it mixed up with another story??
Right talent in right seats and coaching for our coaches is being heard now. Yea, maybe, but is that enough?
Nope. That "Transparency" thing better be present in Leadership, too, or all the coaching and talent selection will be for naught. You see, it all still begins with the Leadership, and that profit and loss obsession will never happen long term with the wrong head guys and gals. The rank and file are all too smart now---they want to trust, and transparency gains trust... particularly now that the worst is over.
Yes, find the right talent, pay them, and get them coached. But don't forget about Leadership. The head honcho needs a coach just as badly, and he better understand that his competency, commonality, intent, propriety, and credibility is what will build trust. And in the process, "Transparency" just means tell it like it is to the rank and file, ... charisma is a gift, and so are looks, but gifts wear out and only time tells if the Leader is real or just in it all for the contract term to get the big pay day.
Transparency?? The public sector is requiring it these days in education with their Open Public Meeting Acts (OPRA in Jersey). Pretty hard for officials to fake it with taxpayers over time, when they're being required in public meetings to tell it like it is. Give corporate America and some politicians credit for their Town Hall Meetings. But do you remember the last one you attended??
Of course, public advocates and gadflies chase their tax money as they badger the elected officials. In business, "we have to do what we have to do, ... to make the budget, get the returns, stay in business, and have enought for next year. So, employees, do your part, be happy you have a job, and when you get there, do it better if you can!"
What's the point of all this about people mattering now, with some pests requiring Leaders to be transparent. In the end, it's the right thing to do. Develop the people, ... they are the product. Then tell them like it is, and they will follow. Sounds simple. But now as we make our way out of this latest recession, will there be enough leaders to lead, or will just as much that was ignored over the last ten years be overlooked until the market squeals on us, or the rank and file, or maybe even the Board of Directors cry out, "Where are the transparent leaders when we need them? Here we go again!"
In my book, Now or Never: The 11 Secrets of Arimathea, I have been told the Secrets are somewhat subtle--easy to forget and to ignore over time. Maybe even a bit metaphysical. The ones that are forgotten and ignored most by Leaders?
Secret #1... stay in the moment.
Secret #2... surrender, accept what is.
Secret #6... patience.
Secret #8... serve.
Secret #9... get into others' worlds
Secret #10... love.
We leaders do much better with the other secrets:
Secret #3... magnify the magnificence in others and yourself.
Secret #4... enjoy the process.
Secret #5... knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.
Secret #7... action, take advantage of change.
Secret #11... act as if.
The "Secret" to Leadership: People, Transparency, ... and all 11 of the Secrets of Arimathea.
Belated Happy Thanksgiving, 2009,
Joe Cervasio in Jersey
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