PEOPLE. PRODUCTIVITY. PERFORMANCE.
Jul 26, 2023
People First, Productivity Second, Performance Third: The Order to Drive Profitability and Lifestyle for Business Owners
Is it time to change the traditional business mindset?
The Current Business Paradigm
Traditional business wisdom has long preached a simple maxim: profitability first, people last. Businesses have often emphasized revenue generation, performance metrics, and productivity above all else.
Does this sound familiar?
Why the Shift is Necessary
Well, time for a quick reality check! It's 2023, and the business landscape has significantly evolved. Gee, the world has evolved. A people-first strategy doesn't just feel good; it creates sustainable profitability and as a result, a better lifestyle for business owners.
Let's dive deeper, shall we?
First, let's start with understanding the "People First" principle
Employee Value and Potential
It's high time we realized employees aren't mere cogs in the corporate machine. They're the driving force behind any successful business. They're like seeds; nurture them, and they'll grow, ultimately reaping a fruitful harvest for your business.
"Your team will deliver exceptional value when they feel exceptionally valued" - a Clarism
Importance of Culture
With clarity and alignment, you can get everyone on the same page in your business. This is the groundwork for a positive workplace culture that fosters happiness, engagement, and ultimately, performance. Remember, happy employees are productive employees. Don't you agree? Engaged employees create engaged customers. Engaged customers drive profitability.
Next, let's look at Productivity as the second pillar.
The Link between People and Productivity
As we've touched on, engaged employees lead to higher productivity. But it's not just about creating a utopian work environment. It's also about setting the direction and focus with clear expectations, providing tools for success, and fostering an environment of continual learning.
Steps to Enhance Productivity
How can we boost productivity? First I would start with redefining roles and responsibilities of each team member. Look at what roles we need them doing and develop productive habits based on that, not what they are doing now. Then, you might consider flexible work arrangements, employee training, and development, or team-building activities. What could work best for your business?
Finally, the third and integral part of the equation is Performance.
How Performance Complements People and Productivity
With people engaged and productivity maximized, performance naturally follows. It's like a symphony orchestra: with each musician (employee) masterfully playing their part (productivity), the collective performance is nothing short of breath-taking. Your role as the conductor is Coach, not Boss. It's about creating learning moments and coaching moments.
"The more you allow coaching moments and learning moments to happen, the more momentum your organisation has." - a Clarism
The Power of Performance Metrics
Performance metrics aren't the enemy; they're a crucial part of business growth. They're like a business's vital signs, providing valuable insight into areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Just remember, they shouldn't overshadow your people-first strategy.
They are actually a reflection of how well you have captured the spirit of your people and set them up for success with the tools, resources and support they need to perform.
"Performance is what we ask from people. Development is what we give to people. " - a Clarism
Profitability and Lifestyle: The Result of this Trifecta
The Positive Impact on Business Profitability
Embracing the 'people, productivity, performance' trifecta can have astounding effects on profitability. Picture a well-oiled machine, running smoothly, effectively and efficiently - that's your profitable business.
How it Shapes a Better Lifestyle for Business Owners
What's the cherry on top? A better lifestyle for you, the business owner. More time with loved ones, More time for yourself, and your passions outside of the business. Less stress, more joy, and the knowledge that your business is making a positive impact.
Isn't that the dream?
What now? Reimagine Your Business Strategy
To sum it all up, flipping the conventional business strategy on its head – prioritizing people first, then productivity, and finally performance – leads to sustainable profitability and an improved lifestyle for business owners. Are you ready to reimagine your business strategy?
FAQs
What does a "people first" strategy mean in practice?
It involves prioritizing the needs, development, and engagement of your employees as humans first. This is a key part of your business strategy.
How can productivity be enhanced in a business?
Productivity can be boosted through methods like providing a clear mission that provides direction and focus to facilitate clear goals and expectations. And, creating a positive work environment, while providing resources for continual learning and development.
How does performance factor into this new business paradigm?
Performance is a natural result of prioritizing people and their productivity. It becomes an outcome, rather than a driver of business success.
How does this strategy lead to profitability?
By putting employees first, they're more likely to be productive and perform well, which can increase effectiveness, efficiency and thus profitability.
How does this business strategy improve a business owner's lifestyle?
By creating a sustainable, effective, efficient, and positive business environment, business owners can experience less stress and get their time back from the business without having to feel like controlling everything.
Dave Clare
Chief Evolution Officer, Circle Leadership Global.
WEEKLY CLARISM
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