“I am so sick of the people at this place!”
You never hear this so much as whispered in great organizations. One great thing about working with many different organizations in many different sectors is that I have the opportunity to see and hear a lot of different workplace experiences. Many of these experiences, while always slightly different, have a similar theme. One of the most disturbing to me is the breakdown of internal workplace relationships.
Workgroups, departments, and organizations that are the most accomplished seem to be those who place high value on each other. These organizations are different because the energy of the organization is focused on seeking opportunities, building on success, solving problems, and most important – helping the customer. This mindset starts within the organization and is demonstrated in its message to both the internal and external customer. Who is your customer? If there is any doubt, consider everyone your customer!
Organization leadership needs to demonstrate the commitment to building a positive and motivated culture. This begins internally with a commitment to serve each other. Do you answer your internal telephone extension? Do you respond promptly and appropriately to email? Do you demonstrate consideration, respect, and caring? Great organizations are healthy on the inside, they waste little energy on internal politics and soap operas, they are focused on the most important thing – the customer.
