 
Author: Sara Wilkes, CEO, Agilitas
Long before I became a CEO I took a temp to perm job as a receptionist at Computacenter in 2006. Fast forward 19 years and I am often asked about my journey from reception to the boardroom, which is still a ‘pinch-me’ moment. I have been lucky enough to work with some incredible leaders in the tech industry, seeing firsthand the styles that lead to success, and, as importantly, those that don’t. My journey has taught me one crucial thing: it is all about the people.
Leadership isn’t static; it is fluid, and how your style is perceived can be a challenge, especially with the diverse personalities around you. But the beauty of it is that by refreshing your approach, you can evolve to become the kind of leader you want to be.
The best leaders make everyone smarter
A tactic that resonates with me is the multiplier effect, a leadership approach that focuses on unleashing the full potential of your team. The idea comes from Liz Wiseman’s book, Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarterand it is one that has had a profound impact on my own leadership style.
Multipliers get people to think for themselves and unlock their potential. They create an environment where people feel empowered to learn and grow, making a huge contribution not only to the business but also to their own personal development. In my leadership journey, I have learned that when I lead like a multiplier, I don’t just give answers, I ask questions, trigger lightbulb moments and encourage those around me to be bigger and bolder. It is critical to encourage growth and continual learning, not just for your team, but for yourself too. I am not afraid to ask for help, and I have my own mentors who will call me out and help me grow. I read, listen to podcasts, and actively seek out new ways to improve because, as any leader will tell you, if you are not growing, you are falling behind.
Working towards a shared vision
When it comes to leadership at Agilitas, creating a culture where everyone can thrive is at the top of my list. We follow a ‘total experience’ approach, which means we believe everything is connected. The way our employees feel impacts the way they interact with our customers, and ultimately, that impacts overall business performance. It is a 360-degree approach to growth and success.
When people feel valued and empowered, they go above and beyond
Part of that culture-building is about creating a team of A-players. But as anyone who has worked in a high-performing team knows, the secret to success isn’t just about having a group of rockstars. It is about ensuring everyone is working towards a shared vision. Setting clear goals and strategies is key to making sure that alignment happens.
Each quarter, the leadership team at Agilitas heads to a farm in the New Forest for an offsite strategy session. It is a great chance to step away from distractions and really focus on setting the direction for the next quarter. These sessions help ensure that everyone understands the goals, the strategy, and how their roles contribute to the bigger picture.
Building a culture of inclusion
When I reflect on my previous role as chair of the diversity and inclusion board, where I helped establish seven employee-led groups, I see how powerful diverse perspectives are in shaping a thriving workplace.
Beyond gender and ethnicity, diversity includes cognitive diversity, championing different ways of thinking, problem-solving, and approaching challenges. This diversity of thought sparks creativity, promotes resilience, and encourages more innovative solutions. Building a culture of inclusion strengthens psychological safety, allowing employees to feel confident in sharing their ideas and taking risks.
I am a firm believer that when people feel valued and empowered, they go above and beyond. When employees feel invested in their work and in the company they are more likely to contribute their best ideas, go the extra mile for customers, and feel part of something bigger. It is the multiplier effect in action: engaged employees lead to satisfied customers, which drives business performance.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the future at Agilitas and the broader tech industry. By focusing on growth, development, and creating an environment where people feel empowered, we can foster a cycle of growth that creates long-term success and makes an impact. As leaders, we have the power to multiply greatness. Let’s make the most of that.
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How Leadership Can Create a Culture of Success
In today’s dynamic business environment, the effectiveness of leadership is not merely about making executive decisions; it’s about fostering a culture of success that engages employees, drives performance, and positively impacts the bottom line. As companies navigate an ever-evolving landscape, strong leadership is essential for fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered. This article delves into vital leadership strategies that pave the way for a thriving organizational culture, showcasing practical steps and insights tailored for everyone from budding entrepreneurs to seasoned executives.
Understanding Organizational Culture
Organizational culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, and practices that shape how employees interact and work. A robust culture is foundational for sustainable growth and can be a significant factor in employee satisfaction, retention, and overall company performance.
Key Components of a Successful Culture
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Clear Vision and Values
- Define and communicate a compelling vision.
- Align values with day-to-day operations.
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Empowerment and Trust
- Encourage employee autonomy.
- Foster trust through transparency and accountability.
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Recognition and Reward
- Acknowledge achievements publicly.
- Implement reward systems that motivate.
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Continuous Learning
- Promote professional development opportunities.
- Encourage knowledge sharing and innovation.
Strategies for Effective Leadership
1. Communicate Effectively
Transparency is crucial in building trust. Regularly update your team on important matters and encourage open dialogue.
- Tip: Use tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to facilitate ongoing communication.
2. Foster Collaboration
Creating a collaborative environment can lead to innovative solutions and enhanced productivity.
- Tip: Organize team-building activities that strengthen relationships and enhance cooperative efforts.
3. Embrace Diversity
Diversity in the workplace enriches organizational culture and leads to better decision-making and creativity.
- Action: Ensure diverse hiring practices and create an inclusive policy framework.
4. Prioritize Employee Well-being
A healthy work-life balance boosts morale and productivity.
- Suggestion: Implement flexible working hours and wellness programs.
5. Lead by Example
Demonstrating the behaviors you expect from your team sets the standard for workplace culture.
- Practice: Show commitment, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
Risk Management Solutions in Leadership
Implementing effective risk management solutions is part of creating a culture of success. Leaders should assess potential risks associated with their strategies and ensure adequate insurance coverage options to mitigate them. Here are a few steps to consider:
- Identify Risks: Regularly conduct risk assessments.
- Educate Employees: Make sure your team understands potential risks and how to address them.
- Secure Adequate Insurance: Review your insurance coverage options to protect against unforeseen challenges.
Conclusion
Creating a culture of success requires intentional effort from leadership that aligns with organizational goals. By fostering communication, collaboration, diversity, and well-being, leaders can build a thriving environment that drives business growth and employee engagement.
FAQ
Q: What is the first step to improving organizational culture?
A: Start by defining your company’s core values and ensuring they resonate throughout the organization.
Q: How can I measure the success of my leadership strategies?
A: Conduct employee surveys and performance reviews to assess engagement and satisfaction levels.
Q: Why is diversity important in leadership?
A: Diverse leadership brings varied perspectives, enhancing decision-making and fostering innovation.
Q: What types of risk management solutions should a leader consider?
A: Leaders should look into liability insurance, property insurance, and employee health insurance as effective options to mitigate risks.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences or questions about leadership and organizational culture in the comments below. Let’s foster a community of growth and learning together.
Call to Action: If you found this article valuable, consider sharing it with your network. The conversation on creating a culture of success starts with informed leaders like you!
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Note: Remember to regularly update this content to reflect the latest trends in leadership and organizational culture for ongoing relevance.