We'd like to thank Sabrina Dinelli-Viva for the following guest post. Sabrina has extensive experience in managing volunteers in both the public and private sectors; we're pleased to offer some of her knowledge to our readers. To find out more about Sabrina and follow her on Twitter, scroll to the bottom of the article.
The late Steve Jobs, had a degree in MBWA. Not an actual university degree, but a degree nevertheless in Management by Walking Around. Yes, believe it or not, the Chairman of Apple, Mr. Steve Jobs himself, would answer customer calls and emails directly and personally resolve customer issues. The TV show Undercover Boss takes a company’s CEO undercover to work with front line staff. The purpose is to unveil the issues on the frontline, meet with staff and implement better practices from there on in. Why is it so important for executives to be involved and connected with their frontline staff? What are the benefits? How can employee volunteer programs tap into this vital connection between executives and one of their most valuable stakeholders– their employees?
The Vital Connection
The hospital where I work, hosts “talks” with our CEO and executives. These talks give staff the opportunity to ask questions, hear updates and discuss issues. The dialogue begins. I am always amazed at how well attended these forums are. Employees do not miss any opportunity to ask questions and bring issues forward. Great, right? Realized Worth refers to Gallup’s Two Factor Theory, “what makes employees happy at work is not the same as what makes them unhappy.” They could not be more right. When conditions like workplace safety, budgets to operate effectively, salary and benefits are improved, a better work environment is created, but an employee’s happiness with their job goes well beyond that. Employees want and need to have a voice and connection with top level staff. They want them to know the real issues because they (employees) are invested in their career and in their workplace. They want an employer who genuinely cares about them and their development. Someone who knows their name; a personalized relationship built on trust, where ideas and feedback are welcomed and can be shared freely. In large corporations, with thousands of employees, it is not easy to be and stay connected with your front line staff, but it is possible and it may be the most vital connection corporations can make.
The Benefits
Something happens when leaders are present and involved in the day to day operations. They are able to stimulate ideas, motivate, engage and find better practices. When they are in the trenches with their staff, they can provide support and teach, rather than lead from a corporate head office removed from the real issues. One of the most sustainable ways corporations can achieve this is by developing an employee volunteer program.
Realized Worth’s recent blog outlines many of the benefits of developing an employee volunteer program:
· Increased corporate social responsibility
· Increased employee loyalty
· Employee recruitment and retention
These are just a few, but here is the full article.
When a company decides to implement an employee volunteer program they are creating an opportunity, a “space” as Chris and Angela so eloquently speak of; to allow the vital connection to exist. Now, front line staff from across the corporation, have the opportunity to work alongside executives in creating and implementing a program that they are passionate about. What happens next? The connection begins.
This is the essential benefit that should not be overlooked. When you are out of your immediate workplace in a setting that is relaxed and altruistic, employees and executives will have the opportunity to discuss issues, share ideas and find solutions to problems in the workplace. Here, the nitty gritty can come out and real issues can be addressed. Employees can connect with their managers in a comfortable, open environment where feedback is welcome. This leads to various positive outcomes for the corporation and their stakeholders, here are just a few:
· Issues being discussed and resolved
· Implementing better business practices
· Fostering a stronger, open and trusting relationship with your stakeholders
· Increased job satisfaction = retention and greater recruitment potential
· Growing as a corporation, increased profit
· Challenging the status quo and being a leader in your field
It is in the midst of an employee program where people can loosen their ties and real progress can occur; with the sharing of ideas across bridges that wouldn’t have existed otherwise. This is the real worth of an employee volunteer program.
Bridging the Gap
Mastering a practice like MBWA is not something you can learn in business school, but it is essential to your business. Take the time to bridge the gap the lives in most large corporate settings. Invest in your employees, take the time to listen and build a stronger relationship that goes beyond the boardroom. Create practices and programs like employee volunteering that are sustainable and allow that relationship to flourish. Your stakeholders will quickly realize the worth of your efforts and everyone can reap the benefits that are obvious when you invest in people.
About Sabrina:
Sabrina and her husband David, who is a professional musician and private music teacher, live in Toronto, Canada. They recently welcomed their little girl Sol to the world. Sabrina is fluent in Spanish and some Italian, as her background is from Argentina. She studied Psychology at York University and has spent the past decade working as a Senior Volunteer Coordinator with the William Osler Health System, while also consulting for various non-profits. Sabrina has also volunteered locally and internationally for the past 15 years for many causes near to her heart. On her free time she enjoys the outdoors with her family, playing guitar, good music and good wine. Follow Sabrina on Twitter here or check out her LinkedIn profile here.
0 comments:
Post a Comment