How do we take the next steps to address the needs of our organizations?
Last post I shared primary needs that leadership could address to getting a better understanding of the needs of an organization and its people. I often use the phrase tightening the belt. This means we are narrowing down the essence of the issue and clarifying any confusion. We are drilling down and making specific decisions. My last post discussed the basic human needs we can meet to ensure we are giving our people what they need. I hope this post will tighten the belt and offer additional options that meet the needs of our organizations and its people.
Who is on point? It is difficult for leaders to know how to meet the needs of everyone, and if you are in a larger organization this is even more difficult. A point person or a coach could assist with this. I have experienced the gift of having someone who organizes and directs this process. This person is valuable because they keep the learners on task, engaged, and field any questions that may arise. Often, people lose focus or miss important action steps. A point person keeps the learning process in the forefront. Someone must be the point of contact and the organizer. It takes a special person to fulfill this role.
Learning opportunities can meet the needs of your organization and it is possible to personalize those needs. In the field of education, we often refer to PLCs or Professional Learning Communities. This is a learning community where educators can learn a topic with colleagues with similar interests or specified topics by organizational leaders. To make the greatest impact, I suggest personalizing the goal or topic of learning. People are more engaged in the process of learning when it is specific to their wants and needs. Leadership has an opportunity to truly grow their people and meet the needs wanted.
Planning and achieving benchmarks of the desired needs is something that must be implemented. This is where follow-through is important. I often struggle with the follow-through of big goals or initiatives I am working on. It is great to have people helping you and learning everything you need, but at some point, we need to cross targets off the list of implementations.
It is never wise to recreate the wheel, it has already been done. Translation, someone is or has already achieved the goal you are chasing. Look at similar organizations who have mastered a task you are working on. Reach out and find a partner who will assist you in your endeavor. Finding partners who know a process will help you gain learning and growth at a faster pace. This will get you to where you want to go quicker and allow you to evolve your plans and be even better than you expected.
Who is the point of contact for the learning community of your organization?
What opportunities are you creating and offering the people?
What planning has been put into place that will meet the needs of all?
Who has already met the goal you are hoping to achieve?
Meeting the needs of our teams is always difficult. When we plan a learning opportunity, it never fully meets everyone’s needs. The important thing is, being willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary to grow your people and the organization you serve. I wish you the best at finding what is needed in your organization. Have a wonderful week and as always please leave a comment below that contributes to this conversation.
Steven C. Bucks- Leading Conversations
~Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member~
