What does your ideal workplace look like?
Researchers* asked hundreds of executives all over the world this question, and their responses fell into six categories:
1. You can be yourself. You feel comfortable being yourself and you are the same at home as you are at work. Passion is encouraged. All different kinds of people work there and are encouraged to express their differences.
2. You’re told what’s going on. There is no “spinning” and everyone knows what is really going on. Big bosses want to hear bad news. You feel comfortable saying something negative and it does not mean you are being disloyal.
3. Your strengths are magnified. Your job allows you to use your natural talents and everyone is encouraged to develop. Compensation is fairly distributed. The organization generates value by providing value to others.
4. The company stands for something meaningful. You know what the organization stands for and you are proud to work there – you enjoy telling people where you work. The organization is accomplishing something worthwhile – beyond making profits.
5. Your daily work is rewarding. Your work gives you energy and pleasure. You understand how your job ties to others and to the organization mission. Everyone shares a common cause.
6. Stupid rules don’t exist. While authority is respected, the rules that are necessary are kept simple and understandable. Everyone knows why the rules exist and they apply to everyone equally. The organization resists red tape.
Wow – what a cool place to work this would be!
The authors of the research admit that this is hard – and may even be impossible – to have all six attributes in the same organization. But, it certainly creates a cultural ideal to strive for as your organization works to maximize your Mission Impact.
*Goffee, R. & Jones, G. “Creating the Best Workplace on Earth,” Harvard Business Review, May 2013, pp. 99 – 106.
